Static-Defeating Sheet for Pipette Tip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipette tip fluid dispensing devices often fail due to static charge-induced adhesion issues, leading to ejection and loading failures, which can result in costly shutdowns of automated devices.
Innovation Solution
A static-defeating apparatus comprising a sheet with holes that match the diameter of pipette tips, retaining them by friction or adhesive, allowing for reliable engagement with nozzles without impeding pipette function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipette tips are retained in a rack without a retention sheet, then the device structure is simpler, but static charge causes adhesion failures leading to ejection and loading failures
Solution Approach 1:
A retention sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the rack and pipette tips. The sheet includes an array of holes that receive and retain the pipette tips, preventing static-induced adhesion failures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The retention sheet acts as a mediator that solves the adhesion problem without requiring complex modification of the rack or pipette tip design.
2Reliability
If a retention sheet with holes is introduced to prevent static adhesion, then ejection and loading reliability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sheet is designed as a segmented structure with an array of individual holes, where each hole corresponds to a specific pipette tip position. This segmentation allows the sheet to retain multiple pipette tips independently while maintaining a simple, modular design. The segmented hole array provides reliable retention without requiring a complex continuous structure.
3Ease of operation
If pipette tips are held in place by static forces, then loading may be affected, but the retention mechanism becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sheet design converts the potentially harmful static adhesion force into a beneficial retention mechanism. The holes in the sheet provide frictional engagement with the pipette tips, allowing the tips to be held securely during loading while preventing static-induced adhesion failures during ejection. This approach transforms the static charge problem into a useful friction-based retention system.
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 prevents static-induced adhesion failures, ensuring consistent operation of pipette tip systems by securely retaining pipette tips and facilitating efficient fluid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
retaining them by friction or adhesive
Implementation Method 2
Static cling is a problem affecting fluid dispensing devices... static charge building up on one or more pipette tips
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in part herein are static-defeating apparatus for use in multipipettor systems. Multiple pipette tips can be retained by a static-defeating sheet of material. A multipipettor, having multiple pipettes or nozzles, can engage the pipette tips retained by the sheet. After use, the multipipettor can eject the pipette tips, which sometimes are ejected as a single unit due to the pipette tips being retained by the sheet. In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a snap plate having one or more holes, and a base rack for ease of mounting.