Stepless Pipetting Aid Control for Precise Low-Flow Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting aids with motorized pumps have a minimum pump output that cannot be exceeded, leading to stepped volume flow during aspiration and dispensing, requiring additional mechanical components for stepless operation, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting aid with a stepless operating pump, actuator button, and sensor arrangement that regulates pump output based on variable button pressure and gas flow detection, allowing continuous volume flow control without the need for additional valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stepped pump with minimum pump output is used, then the device structure is simple, but the volume flow cannot be controlled continuously from zero
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve control system with an electronic control system. A sensor detects the actuator button position and converts it to an electrical signal, which is then processed by a control unit to regulate the pump output continuously. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical flow regulators and enables stepless volume control from zero.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the actuator button and the pump control system. The sensor converts mechanical button position into an electrical signal that can be processed by the control unit, enabling continuous regulation of pump output based on button position without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex mechanical valve systems.
2Ease of operation
If needle valves or mechanical flow regulators are added to enable stepless operation, then continuous volume control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow regulators (needle valves) with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump output is regulated continuously through electronic control based on sensor input from the actuator button position, eliminating the need for mechanical flow control components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the actuator button itself as the control input, with the sensor detecting its position to directly regulate pump output. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical flow regulators, as the existing actuator mechanism serves dual purposes: initiating pump operation and controlling pump output magnitude.
3Manufacturing precision
If a pump with fixed minimum output is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but precise liquid dosing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actuator button position and provides this information to a control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to continuously regulate the pump output, ensuring precise liquid dosing. The feedback loop enables accurate volume control from zero by constantly monitoring and adjusting pump performance based on the desired setpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the pump from fixed minimum output to continuously variable output. By using electronic control to adjust pump speed or pressure based on sensor input, the system achieves precise liquid dosing across the entire range from zero to maximum flow, transforming the pump from a binary on/off device to a continuously controllable dosing instrument.
4Ease of operation
If additional valves and mechanical components are added for stepless control, then volume flow control is improved, but the device becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator button function with the volume control function. The same actuator button that initiates pump operation also controls the pump output magnitude through its position, as detected by the sensor. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical flow regulators and reduces the total number of components while achieving uniform aspiration and dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator button serves multiple functions: it initiates pump operation, controls pump output magnitude, and provides input to the control system through the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the device structure while maintaining precise and uniform volume control capability.
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
Enables uniform and precise aspiration and dispensing of liquids, preventing overfilling and reducing the need for complex mechanical components, while providing user-friendly operation and accurate liquid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement which is configured to detect a gas flow in the conduit between the receiving device and the pump
Implementation Method 2
the pump generates positive pressure or negative pressure in the receiving device depending on the position of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pipetting device for holding a pipette is shown and described, wherein the pipette is intended for the aspiration and dispensing of a liquid. The pipetting device includes a receiving device for a pipette, a pump with a steplessly configurable pump output, and at least one valve for controlling the pumping direction in such a way that the pump generates positive pressure or negative pressure in the receiving device during operation, depending on the position of the valve. Furthermore, the pipetting device includes at least one actuator button for switching on the pump and for controlling the valve. The pipetting device is characterized in that the pipetting device has a sensor arrangement for detecting a gas flow in the conduit, wherein a pump output of the pump is steplessly regulated by an actuator button signal generated by variable actuator button pressure and the detection of the gas flow.