Wireless Liquid Handling Pipette With Separate Display Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laboratory devices for handling liquids are cumbersome and costly due to the integration of operating and display units, making them difficult to handle and operate, especially as they become more complex, and the cost is substantially increased by the need for larger screens and more complex entry devices.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory device system with a separate operating and display module for handling liquids, allowing for wireless communication with the device module, which does not require a display unit, enabling a more compact and lightweight design while providing a user-friendly interface with enhanced input and display capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operating and display units are integrated into the pipette, then the device can be operated and monitored, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidweight of pipette
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a lightweight pipette module for liquid handling and a separate operating/display module for control and monitoring. This segmentation allows the pipette to remain lightweight and easy to handle while the operating functions are performed remotely via wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operating and display units are extracted from the pipette body and placed in a separate module. The pipette retains only the essential liquid handling functions, while the operating module communicates wirelessly with the pipette to control and monitor operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If operating and display units are integrated into the pipette, then the device can be operated and monitored, but the device becomes large and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidvolume of pipette
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a compact pipette module for liquid handling and a separate operating/display module for control and monitoring. This segmentation allows the pipette to remain compact while the operating functions are performed remotely via wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operating and display units are extracted from the pipette body and placed in a separate module. The pipette retains only the essential liquid handling functions, while the operating module communicates wirelessly with the pipette to control and monitor operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If operating and display units are integrated into the pipette, then the device can be operated and monitored, but the cost is substantially increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The operating and display module serves multiple functions: it controls the pipette, displays operating data, and can potentially interface with multiple different pipettes through wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control units for each pipette, thereby reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication between the operating module and the pipette. This eliminates the need for physical connectors and cables, simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2625529B1Laboratory device system for handling liquids
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP2625529B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2625529B1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP2625529B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a laboratory device for handling liquids comprising a unit for handling liquids and an operating and/or display unit, wherein a device module comprises the unit for handling liquids, an operating and/or display module physically separate from the device module completely or partially comprises the operating and/or display unit, and means are provided for wirelessly communicating between the device module and the operating and/or display module.