Eppendorf

Wireless Charging

Description of the company

Eppendorf Liquid Handling GmbH is a leading life sciences company that develops and provides innovative systems for liquid handling and sample handling in laboratories worldwide. The company is renowned for its high-quality products and solutions that drive process optimization and automation in laboratory environments.

Situation

The current generation of pipettes consists of handheld, battery-powered laboratory devices that are charged using conventional wired charging methods. Power is supplied either via a plug-in power adapter (e.g. USB-C) or through a dedicated charging cradle that relies on electrical contacts located on the exterior of the device. These charging concepts are well established and widely used across laboratory environments; however, they also introduce several technical, ergonomic, and hygienic limitations.

Mechanical charging contacts and open electrical interfaces represent potential points of failure, particularly with regard to wear, corrosion, contamination, and long-term reliability under intensive daily laboratory use. In addition, cable-based charging solutions and contact-based charging cradles require deliberate user interaction and precise device placement, which can negatively affect user convenience, workspace flexibility, and seamless integration into modern, space-efficient, or automated laboratory setups.

Against the backdrop of increasing demands for improved ergonomics, robustness, and hygiene—such as easier cleaning and fully sealed device housings—as well as rising expectations for modern user experience and product design, there is growing interest in exploring alternative charging and power transfer concepts. Contactless charging technologies, in particular, may offer the potential to overcome existing limitations and enable new design, usability, and system-integration opportunities for pipettes.

Based on this initial situation, a project is to be initiated to systematically investigate the technical feasibility, available technologies, benefits, limitations, and design implications of implementing contactless charging solutions for pipettes.

Problem

Current charging solutions for handheld, battery-powered pipettes require exposed contact surfaces, edges, and recesses. These features create areas that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of contamination in laboratory environments.

Furthermore, exposed conductive charging interfaces increase susceptibility to electrostatic discharge (ESD). During handling or charging, ESD pulses can be directly coupled into the device and its PCB, potentially affecting reliability, functionality, and long-term durability.

These challenges highlight the need for alternative charging concepts that reduce exposed contacts and support smooth, sealed, and contamination-resistant device designs.

Aims of the project

The aim of this project is to theoretically evaluate contactless charging technologies for pipettes, with a focus on feasibility and system-level implications. Key aspects include an assessment of space requirements within the device, achievable charging times, and the impact on self-heating during operation and charging.

The project seeks to provide a solid technical basis for decision-making regarding the potential implementation of contactless charging solutions in future pipette designs.

Scopes

Wireless charging of a rechargeable, prismatic battery (single cell, 1550–2000 mAh) optimized with respect to weight and temperature development.

Target group (students)

Electrical engineering students

Dates
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Registration
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