Pipetting Channel Coupling Projection Radial Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling configurations for pipetting devices require complex structures and additional components, such as movable sleeves, to ensure reliable and secure coupling of pipette tips and other laboratory tools, which can be cumbersome and prone to unintentional detachment.
Innovation Solution
A simplified coupling configuration utilizing an elastic spring arrangement that provides a radially displaceable coupling projection, eliminating the need for deformable components like O-rings and allowing for passive latching of pipette tips without additional actuation, using leaf springs or helical compression springs to maintain coupling force uniformly around the pipetting channel axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable O-ring with squeezing sleeve is used to ensure secure coupling, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the deformable O-ring and squeezing sleeve from the coupling mechanism. Instead of using a deformable sealing element that requires active squeezing, the invention uses a rigid coupling projection that passively engages with a holding recess through elastic biasing, thereby removing complex components while maintaining coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling projection with integrated elastic element performs both the coupling and sealing functions automatically through passive engagement. The elastic biasing provides self-adjusting contact force between the coupling projection and holding recess, eliminating the need for external squeezing mechanisms or separate sealing components
2Reliability
If additional movable sleeves and actuation mechanisms are added to ensure secure coupling, then coupling reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism operates automatically through passive engagement of the coupling projection with the holding recess. The elastic biasing self-adjusts to maintain optimal contact force without requiring user actuation, making the system both reliable and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active squeezing mechanism that requires user input to create coupling force, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive engagement system where the coupling projection is biased by elasticity to automatically engage and maintain contact with the holding recess
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances coupling reliability and stability while reducing complexity, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment of pipette tips and other tools, with improved durability and reduced risk of unintentional release, maintaining consistent coupling force without additional structural changes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement which is elastic in the radial direction is provided on the coupling formation so that the coupling projection is essentially undeformable but radially displaceable
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling formation (22) of a pipetting channel (10) of a pipetting device for coupling of an implement (30), for instance a pipette tip (30), or a laboratory instrument, laboratory tool or the like, thereto, wherein the coupling formation (22) surrounds a pipetting channel section which extends along a pipetting channel axis (P) which defines an axial direction, wherein the coupling formation (22) additionally has, at its free longitudinal end (22b), a pressure-imparting orifice (26) into which the pipetting channel section opens and has, at its radially outer surface which surrounds the pipetting channel axis (P) and extends principally in axial direction and in peripheral direction about the pipetting channel axis (P) relative to the pipetting channel axis (P), a coupling projection (44) which yields in the radial direction, which is characterized in that the coupling projection (44) is provided so as to be essentially undeformable but radially movable on a spring arrangement (42) which is elastic in radial direction.