Pipetting Device Transparent Extension Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated laboratory apparatuses for processing fluid samples are time-consuming and costly due to the need for expensive optical analysis equipment and the requirement for complete pipette tip transparency, which increases the cost of single-use tips.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device with an optically transparent extension made of amorphous polymers like cycloolefin copolymers, which can be detachably attached to the pipette tip, allowing for fluid sample analysis without the need for the entire pipette tip to be transparent, reducing costs and enabling efficient sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire pipette tip is made optically transparent, then optical analysis can be performed, but the cost of single-use tips increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip is divided into two functional segments: a non-transparent section for liquid handling and an optically transparent extension for analysis. This segmentation allows only the necessary portion to be made transparent, reducing material costs while maintaining optical analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An optically transparent extension piece acts as an intermediary between the non-transparent pipette tip and the optical detection system. This mediator enables optical analysis without requiring the entire tip to be transparent, thus lowering costs.
2Measurement precision
If expensive optical analysis equipment is used, then fluid sample analysis can be performed, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable optically transparent extension that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and reusable optical analysis equipment. This disposable approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining analysis capability.
3Measurement precision
If complete pipette tip transparency is required, then optical detection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip structure is segmented into a standard non-transparent body and a separate transparent extension, simplifying manufacturing by allowing each part to be produced independently using optimized processes for their specific requirements.
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 use of an optically transparent extension reduces the cost of single-use tips and allows for efficient fluid sample analysis, avoiding the need for expensive optical analysis equipment and minimizing contamination risks during sample processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optically transparent extension, which extension is arranged detachably on the pipette tip
Implementation Method 2
a displacement element flow-connected to the pipette tip for generating a flow for receiving and/or ejecting the fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
A pipetting device for processing a fluid sample includes a receiving element and a pipette tip detachably arranged on the receiving element, a displacement element flow-connected to the pipette tip for generating a flow for receiving or ejecting the fluid sample. The pipetting device includes an optically transparent extension detachably arranged on the pipette tip in such a way that the extension is flow-connected to the displacement element via the pipette tip, so that the fluid sample can be received into the extension or can be ejected from the extension by the flow that can be generated by the displacement element.