Universal Nozzle Ejection Plate for Pipette Tip Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated multichannel pipette systems are limited by their ability to accommodate only specific pipette tip sizes, restricting the range of fluid volumes that can be transferred, and reconfiguring these systems to use different tip sizes is time-consuming and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A universal nozzle and head component system that can reversibly associate with pipette tips of varying diameters, allowing for the connection to a fluid delivery actuator component, and an ejection plate system for efficient tip ejection, enabling the use of different pipette tips without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated multichannel pipette systems use fixed nozzle designs, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system can only accommodate specific pipette tip sizes, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple pipette tip sizes (e.g., 10 µL, 100 µL, 1000 µL tips with different sealing zone diameters) through a single standardized connection mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles while maintaining reliable sealing and fluid transfer across all tip types
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle incorporates localized features such as specific sealing surfaces, internal bore geometries, and ejection interface characteristics at critical regions to enable compatibility with various tip sizes while the overall nozzle structure remains standardized and simple
2Device complexity
If the system uses standardized nozzles for all tip sizes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised for different tip diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates localized sealing features at specific regions (such as tapered sealing surfaces, elastomeric sealing elements, or precision-machined contact zones) that adapt to different tip diameters while maintaining the overall simplicity of the standardized nozzle design
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design allows for parameter variations in critical sealing regions (such as bore diameter, sealing surface angle, or contact pressure) to optimize sealing effectiveness for different pipette tip sizes while keeping the majority of the nozzle structure standardized
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is required for tip changes, then the system can accommodate different tip sizes, but the time required for tip changes increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automated ejection mechanism that can automatically remove used pipette tips from the nozzle and facilitate attachment of new tips without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in tip management while maintaining compatibility with various tip sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design includes pre-configured ejection interfaces and tip retention features that enable automated tip ejection and replacement, preparing the system in advance for rapid tip changes by establishing standardized mechanical and geometric relationships between the nozzle and various tip types
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here are pipetting system devices useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids from an automated fluid dispensing device.