Pipettor Menu-Driven Interface for One-Handed Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of programming electronic pipettors has increased with advanced electronics, making it difficult for users, especially first-time users, to perform a wide range of laboratory pipetting procedures efficiently and intuitively.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held electronic pipettor with a menu-driven user interface featuring a circular touch pad and dedicated buttons for intuitive navigation and programming, along with software tools that provide graphical displays and programmable modes for various pipetting operations, allowing one-handed programming and operational feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced electronics and programming capabilities are added to the pipettor, then the versatility and functionality of the pipettor is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software interface is divided into multiple menu levels and sub-menus, organizing complex programming capabilities into segmented, manageable sections. This allows users to access advanced features through a structured hierarchy rather than facing a monolithic complex interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A menu-driven software interface acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex microprocessor programming capabilities. This intermediary translates simple user actions into complex pipetting procedures, hiding the underlying complexity while providing versatile functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a menu-driven software interface with circular touch pad is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved for one-handed programming, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical keypad and display interface is replaced with a circular touch pad that uses capacitive sensing. This substitution allows for more intuitive one-handed operation through rotational and tapping gestures while reducing the physical complexity of the interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular touch pad uses a curved, rotational interface that naturally fits the ergonomics of one-handed operation. The circular geometry allows users to navigate menus through rotational movements and access different functions through tapping at different positions around the perimeter.
3Ease of operation
If graphical displays and pop-up menus are added, then the ease of operation and user feedback is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface incorporates graphical displays and pop-up menus that provide visual feedback to users during the programming process. This feedback mechanism guides users through complex operations by displaying current settings, available options, and operational status, making the system more intuitive despite the added software complexity.
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 solution enables users to easily program and execute complex pipetting procedures with reduced complexity, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency through intuitive navigation and graphical feedback.
Implementation Method 1
sensing the location of the thumb or finger with a flexible capacitance sensor under the top surface of the touch pad
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held electronic pipettor includes menu driven software for controlling the information displayed on the user interface display, for inputting information to program the pipettor and for controlling the operation of the pipettor.