Pipetting Aid Flow Control for Stepless Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting aids with motorized pumps have a minimum pumping capacity that cannot be undercut, leading to stepped flow rates, making precise and continuous aspiration and dispensing difficult, and prone to overfilling, which can damage devices and require time-consuming cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting aid with a continuously variable pump, actuation button, and sensor system that allows for continuous adjustment of pumping power and pressure control, enabling smooth and precise liquid dispensing without the need for additional valves, and preventing overfilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stepped pump with minimum pumping capacity is used, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate cannot be continuously adjusted from zero
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump's operating characteristics continuously variable rather than fixed. The pump transitions from a traditional stepped operation with discrete flow rates to a dynamic system where the flow rate can be continuously adjusted from zero to maximum, allowing smooth aspiration and dispensing without abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the pump from fixed discrete values to continuously variable values. The pump's flow rate parameter is made adjustable across a continuous range, enabling precise control of liquid aspiration and dispensing volumes without the limitations of minimum pumping capacity steps.
2Ease of operation
If needle valves or mechanical flow regulators are used to enable continuous flow adjustment, then flow rate control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for additional mechanical flow control components such as needle valves or flow regulators. Instead of adding these separate components to a stepped pump, the invention integrates continuous flow control directly into the pump's operation, eliminating the need for extra mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the pumping action and the continuous flow rate control in a single integrated component. The pump simultaneously achieves liquid transfer and precise flow regulation without requiring separate valve mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pump with fixed minimum pumping capacity is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but precise and repetitive dispensing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the pump to adapt its flow rate dynamically during operation. The pump can adjust its pumping speed and flow characteristics in real-time, allowing precise control of dispensed liquid volumes and enabling accurate repetitive dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the aspiration and dispensing process, allowing the pump to adjust its operation to achieve precise volumetric control. This feedback enables the pump to compensate for variations and maintain high dispensing precision across repeated operations.
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
Enables precise, repetitive, and efficient liquid dispensing with improved tactile feedback, reducing the risk of overfilling and device damage, and simplifying the process for users.
Implementation Method 1
the pump generates either positive or negative pressure in the pipetting aid depending on the position of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the actuation button in conjunction with a sensor which is connected to a control unit is designed to generate a signal which can assume a variety of values between zero and a certain maximum level
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipetting device (11) for receiving a pipette is shown and described, wherein the pipette is intended for aspiration and dispensing of a liquid. The pipetting device (11) comprises a receiving device (15) for a pipette, a pump (121) with continuously adjustable pumping capacity, and at least one valve for controlling the pumping direction such that, during operation, the pump (121) generates an overpressure or a vacuum in the receiving device (15) depending on the position of the valve. Furthermore, the pipetting device (11) comprises at least one actuation button (14a) for switching on the pump (121) and for controlling the valve.The pipetting device (11) is characterized in that the pipetting device has a sensor arrangement (139, 141, 143, 153) for detecting a gas flow in the line, wherein a pumping power of the pump is continuously controlled by an actuation key signal generated by variable key pressure of the actuation key and the detection of the gas flow.