Universal Pipette Stand with Adjustable Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipette stands lack the flexibility to accommodate pipettes of different sizes and shapes, limiting their adaptability to various experimental requirements in laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A pipette stand with a hyperboloid holding assembly and adjustable apertures, featuring removable inserts that alter the size and shape of storage positions to accommodate pipettes of varying dimensions, allowing for independent adjustment of each storage position to maintain pipettes in a vertical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pipette stands use fixed storage positions, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to accommodate different pipette sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The holding assembly is divided into multiple independent petals, each with its own adjustable aperture. This segmentation allows each petal to be independently configured to accommodate different pipette sizes and shapes, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apertures are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing users to modify the size and shape of each aperture dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to adapt to various pipette dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding assembly uses fixed aperture sizes, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ability to accommodate varying pipette dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each aperture is designed with adjustment mechanisms that allow flexible sizing while maintaining a consistent base structure. This approach balances manufacturing simplicity with the ability to accommodate varying pipette dimensions through post-manufacturing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture parameters (size, shape) can be changed independently for each petal without changing the fundamental structure. This allows the same manufactured component to serve multiple functions by simply adjusting aperture parameters rather than manufacturing different components.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple pipettes are stored in the same holding assembly, then the storage capacity increases, but the accessibility of individual pipettes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding assembly is segmented into multiple independent petals with individually adjustable apertures. This segmentation allows each pipette to be accessed independently through its own aperture without disturbing other pipettes, maintaining accessibility while increasing storage capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6B
Figure 5
AI summary
A pipette stand 10 has a base 38, a trunk 26 extending from the base, and a holding assembly 30 coupled to the trunk. The holding assembly 30 forms one or more apertures 82a, b configured to receive at least a portion of a pipette therein, and the one or more apertures define a first width 102. The pipette stand 10 also includes an insert 118 removably couplable to the holding assembly 30 and configured to modify the first width.