Pipetting Device Spigot Snap Hook Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices face challenges in securely connecting and easily disconnecting the upper and lower casing parts, leading to arduous assembly and unintentional separation due to thread connections or snap mechanisms that are either too secure or too weak.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device with a snapping connection utilizing a spigot and snap hook mechanism, where a deflectable snap hook is engaged via a wedge gear and lock release ring, allowing for secure connection and easy disconnection with reduced effort, and a pressure spring for defined fit and automatic separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thread connection is used to connect the upper and lower casing parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to arduous assembly and unintentional separation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into a spigot (male part) and a spigot receiver (female part) with snap hooks, allowing the casing to be divided into separable upper and lower parts that can be easily connected and disconnected without threads
Solution Approach 2:
The snap hooks are designed to be deflectable, allowing dynamic engagement during assembly and controlled disengagement during disassembly. The spring element provides automatic return to the locking position, making the connection robust yet easily reversible
2Reliability
If a snap connection is designed to be very secure, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
A lock release ring acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user's unlocking action and the snap hook's engagement. By rotating this ring, the user activates a wedge gear that deflects the snap hook, releasing the connection without requiring direct force on the snap hook itself
3Ease of operation
If the snap connection strength is reduced for easier unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to danger of unintentional separation
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element provides a counteracting force that maintains the snap hook in the engaged position, preventing unintentional separation. The spring's elastic force compensates for external forces trying to separate the casing parts, ensuring reliable connection while allowing controlled release through the lock release mechanism
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 secure and effortless separation and connection of the casing parts, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use, particularly in multi-channel pipettes where additional features like discarding equipment facilitate controlled disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a springy shaft, which is deflectable transversely to the axis of the spigot in order to lift off the claw out of the claw receiver
Implementation Method 2
a wedge gear on the shaft and the lock release ring, effecting deflection of the snap hook towards the axis upon displacement of the lock release ring in a certain direction
Data Source
AI summary
Pipetting device with an upper part of the casing, a driving element, arranged in the upper part of the casing, with a movable drive element, a spigot receiver, arranged in the upper part of the casing, at least one claw receiver inside the spigot receiver, a lower part of the casing, at least one displacement equipment, arranged in the lower part of the casing, with a displacement chamber, at least one seat for detachably holding a pipette point, arranged on the lower part of the casing and being connected with the displacement chamber via a channel, a spigot, arranged on the lower part of the casing, to be inserted into the spigot receiver, at least one snap hook, arranged on the spigot, with a claw for engaging into the claw receiver when the spigot is inserted into the spigot receiver, and a springy shaft, which is deflectable transversely to the axis of the spigot in order to lift off the claw out of the claw receiver, a lock release ring, movable on the spigot, a wedge gear on the shaft and the lock release ring, effecting deflection of the snap hook towards the axis upon displacement of the lock release ring in a certain direction, and away from the axis upon displacement of the lock release ring in the direction opposite thereto, and a coupling equipment for coupling the drive element and the displacement equipment when the spigot is inserted into the spigot receiver.