Prototypes

Making Our Prototype

We started brainstorming for the prototype with a lot of questions. We weren’t sure how to put together the device we had envisioned. We wanted an ergonomic design that was similar enough to a classic pipette so that it would be easy for users to adjust to our device, while also maximizing the efficiency of pipetting. We took apart a standard pipette to understand how the two-stop mechanism works on a regular pipette. We also took apart a multicolored pen to understand the technology of how the multicolored ink tubes eject with the different plungers. Our original idea was to somehow implement these different plungers around the body of the pipette, but it was very difficult to create a cohesive design if this were the case. So, we changed direction a little and thought it would also work if the multiple plungers instead replaced the normal plunger.

For our prototype, we were able to add the pen tip as a functional plunger for the pipette.

Next, we worked on creating our tip reloader. Our first idea for the prototype was to model it after pez and have each tip pop out the same way that each candy pops out in a pez dispenser. While the mechanisms of this idea may work, we realized it didn’t precisely fit our needs as the reloader not only needs to eject a new tip but put it on the end of the pipette securely while also making sure the tip remained sterile. So, we fashioned a reloader mechanism using a paperclip bent so that it symbolizes the way we want our tip reloader to work.

For the creation of the splashguard, we thought about the pros and cons of having it go all the way around the pipette, but in the end, we decided that wasn’t necessary and would interfere with the tip reloader. So we ended up making it surround 1/2 of the pipette circumference, protecting the part that faces the user.