Segmented Pipette Tip Adapter to Prevent Splaying and Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipette tip adapters often result in splaying and reduced precision due to molding inaccuracies and temperature-induced expansion, leading to leaking and reduced fluid dispensing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A segmented pipette tip adapter with co-planar plate segments and flexible connectors that allow independent movement, enabling conformability to flat surfaces and precise tip placement, reducing splaying and enhancing fluid dispensing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional pipette tip adapter is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but molding inaccuracies and temperature-induced expansion cause splaying and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple plate segments that can independently conform to the pipette tip array, allowing each segment to compensate for molding inaccuracies and thermal expansion locally, thereby maintaining precise fluid dispensing without requiring a complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates flexible connectors between plate segments that enable dynamic adjustment and conformability to accommodate dimensional variations from molding inaccuracies and temperature changes, ensuring consistent precision while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
2Reliability
If a rigid adapter structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but splaying occurs due to molding inaccuracies and temperature expansion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the adapter into multiple plate segments connected by flexible connectors, each segment can independently compensate for molding inaccuracies and thermal expansion, maintaining reliable fluid dispensing accuracy while avoiding the need for complex precision-machined rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes changes in material properties (flexibility) to compensate for temperature-induced expansion and molding inaccuracies, allowing the structure to adapt its dimensions dynamically rather than requiring rigid precision manufacturing
3Adaptability or versatility
If plate segments are made co-planar, then the adapter provides stable support, but conformability to flat surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connectors between plate segments enable dynamic adjustment of segment positions and orientations, allowing the adapter to conform to flat surfaces while maintaining co-planarity during operation, thus achieving both adaptability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the adapter allows each plate segment to independently adjust its position relative to others through flexible connectors, enabling conformability to surface variations while maintaining overall structural stability during fluid dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates in part to a segmented pipette tip adapter that includes a plurality of plate segments and a junction between adjacent plate segments. Each of the plate segments often includes a proximal surface, a distal surface, edges, one or more nozzles disposed on the proximal surface, and one or more tubular projections disposed on the distal surface. Each of the nozzles often includes a nozzle bore, each of the tubular projections often includes a tubular projection bore, each of the plate segments often includes a plate bore disposed at each of the nozzles, and each nozzle bore often is aligned with a tubular projection bore and a plate bore. Each junction often is between adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent plate segments.