Segmented Pipette Tip Magazine for Compact Sterile Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipette tip dispensers with a rectangular footprint require a large work surface area and have limited storage capacity, leading to rapid depletion when multi-channel pipettes are used, and pose a risk of contamination if one aperture becomes contaminated, necessitating disposal of the entire assembly.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory ware magazine designed as a wedge-shaped segment or 'piece of pie' shape, allowing multiple boxes to form a cylindrical assembly with radially inward apertures, reducing the footprint and enabling smaller packaging while isolating pipette tips to minimize contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glassware is made with smooth surfaces and rounded corners to prevent bacterial growth, then hygiene and cleanliness are improved, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the glassware through plasma coating. The coating changes the surface energy and chemical composition parameters, creating a hydrophobic surface that prevents bacterial adhesion. This resolves the contradiction by achieving hygiene improvement through surface parameter modification rather than complex geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining glass with plasma-derived coating layers. The composite structure integrates the mechanical strength and chemical inertness of glass with the antimicrobial properties of the plasma coating. This resolves the contradiction by achieving hygiene through material composition rather than manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If glassware components are designed to be easily replaceable to reduce contamination risk, then reliability and contamination prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the glassware into modular components such as separable lids, bases, and inserts. Each component can be independently removed, sterilized, and replaced. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy replacement for contamination prevention while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized interfaces and configurations that allow components to serve multiple functions. For example, a single base design can accommodate different inserts for various applications. This resolves the contradiction by reducing overall device complexity through component standardization while maintaining replaceability for contamination prevention.
3Measurement precision
If specialized glassware is designed for specific applications, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating adjustable and reconfigurable glassware systems. Components such as removable inserts, adjustable clamps, and flexible sealing mechanisms allow the same base apparatus to be adapted for different measurements and applications. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision through specialized components while achieving adaptability through reconfigurable assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized connection interfaces and modular components that can be configured for different applications. A single base apparatus with standardized sockets can accommodate various specialized inserts for different measurement needs. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both measurement precision through specialized inserts and adaptability through universal interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
A laboratory ware magazine suitable for holding an array of pipette tips. The magazine is formed as a box which is substantially a sector of a cylinder, with a cylindrical or a polygonal cross section. A mounting plate within the box has apertures to hold the pipette tips directed radially inwards and the box has a lid which may be a removable plastic/foil. The boxes can be combined to form a compact cylindrical assembly for reduced transportation volume, while isolating pipette tips in smaller numbers to reduce the risk of contaminating large numbers of pipette tips found in prior art cylindrical magazines. Mounting receptacles are also described for single box use and for a cylindrical assembly to provide rotation to present each box in turn for use.