Multifunctional cap opener for biological experiment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multifunctional cap opener for a biological experiment, which is adaptive to opening and closing requirements of an EP tube, a centrifugal tube, a reagent bottle and a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) row tube by integrating a slit, a notch, a gradually-changed groove and an arch-shaped edge structure. The design of the asymmetric tooth-shaped protrusions and the lever is adopted, the operation intensity is remarkably reduced, and the light weight (smaller than 70 g) and the low cost are achieved by combining the hollowed-out part and the ergonomic holding part. The tool is suitable for high-flux experiment scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biological and chemical laboratory equipment technology, specifically to a multi-structured opening tool for efficiently and effortlessly opening and closing capped containers of different sizes in the laboratory, including EP tubes, centrifuge tubes, PCR tubes, and reagent bottles. Background Technology

[0002] In biological and chemical experiments, experimenters frequently need to handle capped containers (such as EP tubes, PCR tubes, 4-15ml centrifuge tubes, reagent bottles, etc.). Current technologies have the following problems:

[0003] 1. Manual operation is inefficient and prone to damage: EP tubes require repeated squeezing to open, which can easily lead to thumb joint strain over a long period of time; reagent bottle caps are often difficult to open by hand due to their tight seal.

[0004] 2. Limited and poorly adaptable tools: Existing auxiliary tools (such as wrenches and pry bars) are designed for single containers and cannot be adapted to multiple sizes of bottle caps, which means that experimenters need to equip themselves with a variety of tools, increasing management costs.

[0005] 3. Cumbersome operation of PCR tubes: The opening and closing of PCR tubes in batches requires one operation at a time, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0006] 4. Insufficient ergonomic design: Existing tools are not comfortable to hold, lack labor-saving structures, and are easy to get tired after prolonged use.

[0007] CN202223370156.8 discloses an EP tube cap opener, but it is only compatible with a single size, cannot be used in batches, and has a single function;

[0008] CN202222242729.2 proposes an 8-unit tube opening tool, but it is still limited in function and lacks functions such as cap tightening and batch opening of EP tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention

[0010] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a multifunctional lid opener that achieves the following objectives through structural integration and innovative design:

[0011] 1. Compatible with various container sizes (EP tubes, centrifuge tubes, reagent bottles, PCR tubes);

[0012] 2. Improved opening and closing efficiency, supporting batch operations;

[0013] 3. Optimize mechanical design to reduce operational intensity;

[0014] 4. Lightweight and low cost.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] A multifunctional lid opener for biological experiments, integrally molded from plastic or metal sheet, is characterized by the following structure:

[0017] Slit structure: At least one slit is provided on the plate, the deepest part of the slit is >1mm from the opening, and the total length is >2cm, for fitting the edge of EP tube and centrifuge tube cap;

[0018] Bending arrangement unit: The slit can be bent to form multiple structural units, arranged along a straight line (variance < 0.1).

[0019] Notch structure: The edge of the plate is provided with 8 or 12 straight notches, with a notch spacing of 1.7-2mm and a height of 2.5-3.5mm, for quickly prying open the PCR tube cap;

[0020] Arched groove edge: One side of the plate has an arched edge, and the side has a groove (7.5-8.5mm wide) for pressing the PCR tube cap;

[0021] Gradient groove: The surface of the board is provided with a gradient groove that is narrow on one side and wide on the other side (suitable for cylinders with a diameter ≤ 7cm), and the inner wall of the groove is provided with asymmetrical toothed protrusions;

[0022] Hollowed-out structure: The board has a hollowed-out area with rounded or chamfered edges to reduce its weight and enhance grip stability.

[0023] 1. The narrow side of the asymmetric toothed protrusion faces the narrow end of the gradient groove, and the angle between the narrow side and the inner wall is 60°-90°. The angle between the wide side of the asymmetric toothed protrusion and the inner wall is 10°-45°, forming a ratchet effect and increasing the friction of screwing on the cap.

[0024] 2. The grip area features recessed textures and rounded corners, conforming to ergonomic design;

[0025] 3. Anti-slip protrusions are added to the inner side of the arched groove to prevent slippage during operation. Beneficial effects

[0026] Multifunctional integration: Through the integration of structures such as slits, notches, and grooves, it can be adapted to EP tubes, centrifuge tubes, reagent bottles, and PCR tubes, reducing the number of tools required;

[0027] High-efficiency batch operation: The slit structure can open 6 EP tubes at the same time, and the notch structure enables rapid opening and closing of PCR tubes;

[0028] Effort-saving design: The combination of asymmetrical toothed protrusions and lever structure reduces the torque required to tighten the cap (based on the torque ratio, the tightening force is reduced by more than 300%).

[0029] Lightweight and low cost: The hollow design makes the weight less than 70g, reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the lid opener.

[0031] Figure 2 Diagram of the back structure of the lid opener.

[0032] Figures 3-7 Diagram of the cap opener operation (corresponding to EP tube, centrifuge tube, reagent bottle, and PCR cap opening and closing scenarios respectively).

[0033] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 1. Curved slit; 2. Slit interval area; 3. Straight slit; 4. Notch; 5. Notch interval area; 6. Gradient groove; 7. Hollowed-out structure; 8. Arched edge; 9. Toothed protrusion; 10. Rounded corner structure; 11. Recessed texture structure; 12. Groove structure on the bottom side; 13. Observation window; 14. EP tube cap orientation correction cavity; 15. Chamfered structure; 16. Grip part; 17. Thumb pressing protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. A "slit" is a narrow, elongated slit-like opening with an opening spacing less than one-quarter of the total length. A "straight line" is an approximately straight line with a variance of less than 0.1. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Adjust the EP tube rack so that the tube cap faces right. The corrective chamber (14) of the cap opener covers the tube cap and moves to the left. The slit interval area (2) will continuously correct the direction of the tube cap, so that the protruding edge of the tube cap falls into the curved slit (1). Pulling up the grip (16) will open 6 EP tubes at the same time. Figure 3 ).

[0038] After inserting the protruding edge of the cap of a 4-15ml centrifuge tube of any size into the straight gap (3), rotate the centrifuge tube to the right to open the 4-15ml centrifuge tube. Figure 4 ).

[0039] Insert the bottle cap into the gradient groove (6) and rotate it counterclockwise. The long, gentle slope of the asymmetrical toothed protrusion (9) reduces rotational resistance, while the short, steep slope increases the gripping force and prevents slippage. This ratchet effect continuously clamps the bottle cap, and combined with the lever action of the grip (16), it opens easily. Similarly, rotating it clockwise will tighten the bottle cap. Figure 5 ).

[0040] Insert the serrated notch (4) of the cap opener into the gap just below the cap of the PCR tube. Press down on the protruding part (17) of the grip with your right thumb and pull upward on the edge of the grip with your right fingers. The cap of the tube will be pried open. At the same time, the pressure of your right thumb provides downward pressure to the prying fulcrum, so that the entire PCR tube will not be pulled up when the cap is opened. Figure 6 )

[0041] After the pipe cap is initially positioned, the arched edge (8) moves along the pipe, and the groove (12) presses the pipe cap together, achieving a "zipper-style" quick closing. Figure 7 The grooved structure (12) on the bottom side effectively prevents slippage. Meanwhile, the grip (16), narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, adapts to any hand size and provides better directional control. Rounded corners (10) and recessed textures (11) are used to increase comfort and friction. Figure 7 )

[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional lid opener for biological experiments, characterized in that, include: The body is made of plastic or metal sheet; there is at least one slit, the deepest part of which is >1mm from the opening and the total length is >2cm; the edge of the sheet has 8 or 12 straight notches, the notch spacing is 1.7-2mm and the height is 2.5-3.5mm; one side of the sheet has an arched edge, and its side has a groove with a width of 7.5-8.5mm; the groove is gradually tapered, with one end narrow and the other end wide, and its inner wall has asymmetrical toothed protrusions; the structure is hollow, and the edges are rounded or chamfered.

2. The lid opener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slit bends to form multiple structural units, which are arranged in a straight line.

3. The lid opener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The narrow side of the asymmetric toothed protrusion faces the narrow end of the gradient groove, and the angle between the narrow side and the inner wall is 60°-90°. The angle between the wide side of the asymmetric toothed protrusion and the inner wall is 10°-45°.

4. The lid opener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grip area features recessed textures and rounded corners.

5. The lid opener according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Total weight < 70g.

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