Pipetting Transmission Layout for Dual Output and Tip Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipetting devices have limitations in functionality, space requirements, and handling efficiency, particularly due to the complexity of their gear devices, which restricts their versatility and increases space and cost.
Innovation Solution
The pipetting device incorporates a dual-output transmission system driven by a single electric motor, allowing for selective movement of two distinct components, enabling improved functionality and flexibility while reducing space requirements and costs. This system includes a planetary gear design and a switching mechanism to control the movement of the output means, allowing for efficient fluid handling and pipette tip ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single electric motor with dual-output transmission system is used, then the space requirement and cost are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the transmission mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two drive functions into a single electric motor by integrating a dual-output transmission system. The transmission system includes a planetary gear unit with a sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear, allowing one motor to drive both the piston (for fluid dispensing) and the ejection mechanism (for pipette tip ejection), thereby reducing space requirements and component count while maintaining functional independence of both drive outputs
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions through the transmission system. The motor's rotational output is distributed to different mechanical outputs via the planetary gear mechanism, enabling one motor to control both the displacement device for fluid handling and the ejection device for tip removal, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single power source
2Ease of manufacture
If a single electric motor drives both output means, then the cost is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to selective blocking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system incorporates dynamic blocking capability where the motion of one output means can be selectively blocked while the other remains active. This is achieved through the planetary gear mechanism's inherent ability to lock certain components, allowing the system to switch between different operational modes (e.g., dispensing mode with ejection blocked, or ejection mode with dispensing blocked) without requiring separate motors or complex control systems
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
The dual-output transmission system enhances the pipetting device's functionality and flexibility, reduces space and cost, and allows for efficient fluid handling and pipette tip ejection, improving handling efficiency and expanding possible uses.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission device has a planetary gear unit with a sun gear, which is driven by the electric motor and rotates around a central axis, planet gears, and a ring gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing fluid volumes. The pipetting device has a drive unit with an electric motor and a gear unit with a first drive element. The gear unit is driven by the electric motor by means of a rotary motion and is configured to transmit a rotary motion of the electric motor to the first drive element. According to the invention, the gear unit has a second drive element and is configured to transmit a rotary motion of the electric motor to the second drive element.