Temperature-Controlled Connector for Pipette Tip Bonding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipette tip mounting and detachment processes require significant force and additional equipment, limiting ease of use and storage due to the need for elastic deformation and durability, which complicates biochemistry experiments.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzing apparatus with a temperature-controlled connector that uses a low-melting-point polymer pipette tip, allowing easy attachment and detachment by adjusting the bonding force through temperature control, enabling quick and stable pipetting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic deformation is used to couple the pipette tip, then the pipette tip can be mounted and detached, but a relatively large force is needed and additional assembly equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding parameter from mechanical elastic deformation to thermal bonding. By controlling temperature, the bonding force between the pipette tip and connector can be adjusted - high temperature for easy attachment, low temperature for easy detachment - eliminating the need for large mechanical forces and additional assembly equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical elastic deformation system with a thermal bonding system. Instead of using mechanical force to deform and couple components, the invention uses temperature-controlled thermal bonding to achieve the same coupling function, thereby reducing the required force and eliminating additional assembly equipment.
2Reliability
If the pipette tip is designed to endure large force, then durability is improved, but the pipette tip requires relatively long length or volume which limits storage and usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from force-based to temperature-based. By using thermal bonding with a temperature-controlled connector, the pipette tip only needs to withstand thermal cycles rather than large mechanical forces. This allows the pipette tip to be shorter while maintaining sufficient bonding strength during use and easy release during detachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If additional assembly equipment is used to couple the pipette tip, then coupling can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function into the connector itself. The connector is designed with temperature-controlled bonding capability, integrating the coupling mechanism directly into the existing component rather than requiring separate assembly equipment. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining coupling functionality.
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
Facilitates easy and quick mounting and detachment of pipette tips, maintaining stable sealing and pipetting performance even under pressure changes, improving usability and efficiency in biochemistry experiments.
Implementation Method 1
The pipette tip may be formed of a polymer having a relatively low melting temperature, and by controlling a temperature of a connector that contacts the pipette tip, the pipette tip may be attached to or detached from the sample analyzing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
by controlling a temperature of a connector that contacts the pipette tip, the pipette tip may be attached to or detached from the sample analyzing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a sample analyzing apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a base, a connector arranged at an end of the base, and a temperature controlling member mounted on the base and configured to adjust a temperature of the connector. The apparatus may also include a controller configured to adjust heat generation of the temperature controlling member to adjust a bonding force of a pipette tip attached to a surface of the connector.