Pipetting Device Tilt Mechanism for Deep Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipetting devices with two tips have limited immersion depth due to the construction, restricting the ability to aspirate samples or reagents from vessels without colliding with the upper end, especially when the vessels are arranged at a standard 18 mm distance.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device with a coupling mechanism and a tilt mechanism that allows the first coupling unit to pivot relative to the second, enabling deeper immersion of the second pipetting tip without obstruction from the first, thus increasing the immersion depth beyond the typical 80-90 mm to at least 100 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipetting device uses two pipetting tips arranged at a fixed distance, then the handling is improved, but the immersion depth is limited due to collision with the vessel upper end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the two coupling units adjustable rather than fixed. The coupling units can be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. This enables the pipetting device to achieve greater immersion depths by increasing the distance between coupling units when needed, while maintaining the two-tip handling capability.
2Length of moving object
If the immersion depth is extended to aspirate samples from vessels, then the sampling capability is improved, but the other pipetting tip abuts the upper end of the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by enabling dynamic adjustment of the distance between coupling units. When one tip needs to reach deeper into the vessel, the system can increase the spacing between coupling units to prevent the other tip from colliding with the vessel upper end. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the harmful collision while maintaining deep sampling capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the distance between vessels is reduced to standard 18 mm, then the apparatus compactness is improved, but the immersion depth is restricted due to tip collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by making the coupling unit distance adjustable. When vessels are arranged at the compact 18 mm spacing, the system can dynamically increase the distance between coupling units to allow one tip to reach deeper into the vessel without the other tip interfering. This maintains both compact apparatus design and sufficient immersion depth.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipetting device (100) for an apparatus (164) for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed. The pipetting device (100) comprises a coupling mechanism (102), wherein the coupling mechanism (102) comprises at least a first coupling unit (104) adapted to be coupled to a first pipetting tip and a second coupling unit (106) adapted to be coupled to a second pipetting tip, and a tilt mechanism (112) for moving the first coupling unit (104) between an untilted position, in which the first coupling unit (104) and the second coupling unit (106) are arranged parallel to one another, and a tilted position, in which the first coupling unit (104) is tilted relative to the second coupling unit (106). Further, an apparatus (164) for processing a sample or reagent and a method for pipetting a sample or reagent are disclosed.