Vertical Magazine Insertion for Compact Pipetting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting devices require significant space for magazine supply and handling, especially when using the drawer principle for tip exchange, which limits accessibility and necessitates additional handling devices for automatic tip changes.
Innovation Solution
A pipetting device design featuring a base plate with a magazine holder and drive motor that allows vertical movement between receiving and dispensing positions, using a gear system with pivoting claws and centering cones to facilitate efficient sealing and tip exchange without the need for extensive space or manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer principle is used for magazine supply, then the magazine can be pushed in and pulled out, but significant space is required in front of the pipetting device for accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the magazine horizontally into the device (drawer principle), the invention inverts the approach by having the magazine approach from below and be lifted vertically into the magazine holder. This eliminates the need for horizontal access space while maintaining ease of magazine exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal magazine insertion (drawer principle requiring front access) to vertical magazine insertion (approaching from below). By changing the dimension of approach from horizontal to vertical, the device eliminates the need for significant front space while preserving magazine accessibility.
2Productivity
If automatic tip change is implemented, then tip exchange efficiency improves, but additional handling devices are required that need free access to the pipetting device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the magazine holder and the drive mechanism into an integrated unit. The drive motor and gear are built into the magazine holder itself, eliminating the need for separate handling devices. This merging maintains automated tip exchange efficiency while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine holder is equipped with its own drive motor and gear mechanism, enabling it to autonomously perform the lifting and positioning operations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external handling devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining automated operation efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the cone principle is used for sealing, then pipette tips are held in a non-positive manner, but sealing accuracy decreases and enormous lifting forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the cone principle with a sealing plate principle that copies the effective sealing interface from single-channel pipettes. The sealing plate provides a flat, precise sealing surface that maintains both ease of operation and high sealing accuracy, eliminating the drawbacks of the cone principle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the drawer principle is used for magazine supply, then magazines can be exchanged, but the device requires free space in front for accessibility and additional handling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the magazine supply approach by eliminating the need for front access space. Instead of horizontal drawer-style insertion requiring front clearance, the magazine approaches from below and is lifted vertically, eliminating spatial constraints while maintaining exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the magazine insertion dimension from horizontal to vertical, the invention maintains magazine exchange versatility while eliminating the need for additional handling devices and front space, thereby reducing device complexity.
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
This design reduces space requirements for magazine supply, enables efficient tip exchange, and eliminates the need for additional handling devices, allowing for compact and automated pipette tip management.
Implementation Method 1
a gear (9) connecting the drive motor (8) with which the magazine (6) can be moved vertically
Implementation Method 2
an elastic sealing plate (2), the ends of the bushings (3) facing the pipette tips (4) open into which the pipette tips (4) are pressed with their collar (5)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Pipetting device with a magazine receptacle (7, 11, 13) which, in a receiving and dispensing position, is in an open state in which it forms a through-opening (18) larger than the magazine (6), so that the magazine (6) can be inserted into the magazine receptacle (7, 11, 13) from below. In a sealing position of the magazine receptacle (7, 11, 13), it is in a closed state in which bearing surfaces (7.1.1, 11.3.1, 13.1.1) project into the through-opening (18), on which the magazine (6) rests.