A categorizable plant sample storage device

By introducing a rotatable turntable and spring-driven push block structure into the plant sample storage device, the problem of difficult sample storage and retrieval was solved, enabling convenient rotational extraction of samples and improving storage and retrieval efficiency and sample integrity.

CN224448802UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03JIANGXI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGXI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Filing Date
2025-09-08
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing plant sample collection and storage devices lack a rotating storage mechanism, making sample storage and retrieval difficult. In particular, samples in the inner layers and corners of multi-layer or multi-zone structures are difficult to retrieve directly. Operators need to frequently bend over and move other samples, which consumes physical strength, reduces efficiency, and can easily lead to sample compression, deformation, and confusion, affecting sample integrity.

Method used

Design a sample storage device for categorizable plant collection. It adopts a rotatable turntable, spring-linked push block and movable slot positioning structure. By rotating the turntable, the storage frame is quickly rotated to the operating position, and the spring pushes the push block to push the storage frame out, realizing convenient rotation and retrieval, avoiding sample squeezing and confusion caused by frequent searching.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves sample storage and retrieval efficiency, avoids the risk of sample crushing and damage and confusion, simplifies the operation process, and improves the convenience and integrity of sample storage and retrieval.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of plant sample storage technology, and more particularly to a categorizable plant sample storage device, comprising a base and a turntable rotatably connected to the top of the base. A movable groove is formed through the top of the turntable, penetrating the interior of the base. A spring is connected inside the movable groove, and a push block is connected to the top of the spring. The push block is movably connected to the movable groove. A storage frame is movably connected inside the movable groove, and a slot is formed at the front end of the storage frame. A pull-out frame is movably connected inside the storage frame, and a handle is connected to the top of the pull-out frame. This utility model achieves rotational positioning and automatic ejection of the storage frame through the linkage design of the turntable, spring push block, and movable groove. The operator can flexibly rotate the turntable to switch target storage frames via the friction groove. After alignment, the spring push block ejects the frame, and the slot facilitates easy extraction, avoiding damage and confusion of different types of plant samples caused by traditional rummaging, thus improving storage and retrieval efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant sample storage technology, and in particular to a sample storage device for classifiable plant collection. Background Technology

[0002] Classifiable plant sample storage devices are used to classify and store plant samples during collection. They typically achieve zoning management of different samples through adjustable partitions and labeling, while also protecting the samples and adapting to field transport. They meet the needs of sample classification and storage during large-scale plant sample collection. With the rapid development of biodiversity informatization, the demand for plant samples in scientific research has increased dramatically, especially in the field of plant functional trait research. To reveal scientific questions such as the adaptation mechanisms of plants to the environment and the laws of community construction, it is often necessary to collect a large number of plant samples of different species, different growth stages, or different habitats. In current field collection work, the samples are not only diverse in type, but the number of samples of a single species has also increased significantly.

[0003] Existing plant sample storage devices have only one core flaw: the lack of a rotating storage mechanism. This problem directly leads to extremely inconvenient sample access. In multi-layer or multi-zone designs, samples in inner layers or corner areas need to be manually searched. Especially when the device is placed on the ground or in a confined space, operators need to frequently bend over and even move samples in the outer or upper layers before reaching the target sample. In large-scale collection scenarios, each sample retrieval consumes a significant amount of extra time. At the same time, plant samples often have branches, leaves, flowers, or fruits attached, making them fragile. Frequent movement can easily cause sample compression and deformation, leaf wrinkling, and petal loss. For functional trait studies that require maintaining morphological integrity, such damage directly affects the scientific value of the samples. Furthermore, manual searching may lead to confusion between different samples due to negligence, especially among closely related species with similar morphologies. If the label and sample do not match correctly, subsequent data analysis will lose accuracy, wasting a significant amount of initial collection effort.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems of sample storage and retrieval difficulties caused by the lack of a rotating storage mechanism in the existing plant sample storage devices, and the difficulty in directly taking samples from the inner layers and corners in multi-layer or multi-zone structures, and the need for operators to repeatedly bend over and move other samples when using them on the ground or in narrow spaces, which not only consumes physical strength and reduces efficiency, but also easily leads to sample compression damage, mixing, and affects sample integrity, there is an urgent need to design a new type of categorizable plant sample storage device. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems of existing plant sample storage devices, which lack a rotating storage mechanism and thus present difficulties in sample retrieval, and the difficulty in directly accessing samples in inner layers and corners in multi-layered or multi-zoned structures, and the need for operators to repeatedly bend over and move other samples when used on the ground or in narrow spaces, which is not only physically demanding and inefficient, but also prone to sample compression damage, mixing, and affecting sample integrity, there is an urgent need to design a new type of categorizable plant sample storage device.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a sample storage device for classifiable plant collection includes a base and a turntable rotatably connected to the top of the base. A movable groove is formed through the top of the turntable, penetrating the interior of the base. A spring is connected inside the movable groove, and a push block is connected to the top of the spring. The push block is movably connected to the movable groove. A storage frame is movably connected inside the movable groove. A notch is formed at the front end of the storage frame. A pull-out frame is movably connected inside the storage frame. A handle is connected to the top of the pull-out frame, and several ventilation holes are formed at the top of the pull-out frame. Several friction grooves are formed at the outer end of the turntable, and multiple label slots are formed at positions corresponding to the movable grooves at the outer end of the turntable. The rotation of the turntable causes the storage frame to move. When the movable groove on the turntable aligns with the movable groove on the base, the spring pushes the push block to eject the storage frame. The notch facilitates the extraction of the storage frame from the movable groove.

[0007] Preferably, by setting a rotatable turntable, a spring-driven pusher, and a movable slot positioning structure, the sample storage frame can be easily rotated and retrieved. The turntable is rotatably connected to the base, and the operator can apply force through the friction groove at the outer end of the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate flexibly and quickly switch different storage frames to the operating position. When the movable slot on the turntable is aligned with the movable slot on the base, the spring in the slot automatically pushes the pusher to push the storage frame out, so that it is partially exposed on the surface of the turntable. At this time, the sample can be easily pulled out by using the slot at the front end of the storage frame to retrieve the sample in the internal pull-out frame. This design changes the cumbersome method of searching for samples in traditional storage devices. Through the combination of rotation positioning and spring pushing, the sample storage and retrieval efficiency is significantly improved, avoiding the risk of sample crushing damage and confusion caused by frequent searching.

[0008] Preferably, the outer end of the chassis is connected to a shell, and the left and right ends of the shell are provided with sliding grooves.

[0009] Preferably, a protective plate is slidably connected to the outer end of the chute, and a handle is connected to the front end of the protective plate.

[0010] Preferably, the top of the turntable has a water collection port, the inside of which is connected to the inside of the chassis through the water collection port, and a water pipe is connected to the rear end of the chassis.

[0011] Preferably, the water pipe is connected to the collection port, and a water pump is connected to the end of the water pipe away from the collection port. A storage tank is connected to the front end of the water pump.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the storage tank extends to the inside of the outer shell and is connected to a humidifier, which fills the collection port with water and starts the water pump.

[0013] Preferably, a water pump draws water into the storage tank through a water pipe, and a humidifier atomizes and sprays the water from the storage tank.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] 1. Through an innovative combination of a rotatable turntable, a spring-driven pusher, and a movable slot positioning structure, the turntable can rotate flexibly when the operator applies force to rotate it by turning the friction groove at the outer end of the turntable. This quickly pushes the target storage frame to a front position that is easy to operate, avoiding the inconvenience of having to bend over and search for samples at the bottom or in corners, as is the case with traditional devices. When the movable slot on the turntable is precisely aligned with the movable slot on the chassis, the built-in spring immediately drives the pusher to smoothly push the storage frame out, naturally exposing the front slot. At this point, the storage frame can be easily pulled out with just one finger. The entire process does not require moving other samples, significantly reducing the risk of sample compression deformation and label detachment caused by repeated searching. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of a categorizable plant collection sample storage device according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional bottom view of a sample storage device for classifying plant collection according to this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional rear view of a sample storage device for classifying plant collection according to this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional top cross-sectional view of a categorizable plant collection sample storage device according to this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a sample storage device for classifying plant collection according to this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Chassis; 21. Turntable; 22. Movable groove; 23. Spring; 24. Push block; 25. Storage frame; 26. Slot; 27. Pull-out frame; 28. Handle; 29. ​​Vent hole; 210. Friction groove; 211. Label groove; 31. Outer shell; 32. Slide groove; 33. Protective plate; 34. Handle; 35. Water inlet; 36. Collection port; 37. Water pipe; 38. Water pump; 39. Storage box; 310. Humidifier. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Plant collection is a fundamental task in multidisciplinary research, including botany and ecology, as well as in fields such as plant germplasm resource conservation and ecological environment monitoring. The effective preservation and management of samples directly impacts the accuracy of research data and the reliability of experimental results. In field collection scenarios, samples exhibit diversity, ranging from tiny seeds and pollen to large branches and whole seedlings, with significantly different requirements for preservation conditions (such as humidity, temperature, and ventilation). For example, leaf samples used for DNA extraction need rapid drying to prevent oxidation, while flower samples used for morphological observation need to maintain their integrity to avoid compression and deformation; aquatic plant samples require a humid environment, while seed samples need to be stored dry and protected from light. Furthermore, with the advancement of biodiversity conservation efforts, single collection missions often involve hundreds or even thousands of samples. Traditional, rudimentary storage methods easily lead to sample confusion, damage, or deterioration, failing to meet the stringent requirements of modern scientific research regarding sample traceability, integrity, and validity. Therefore, developing a sample storage device with efficient classification and scientific preservation functions has become a pressing technical challenge in the field of plant collection.

[0024] Traditional specimen presses, designed for plant specimen preparation, employ a multi-layered structure of wooden boards and absorbent paper. Plant materials are secured and compressed with bolts to dry and set their shape. While widely used in plant morphology research, these presses have significant limitations: First, their function is singular, suitable only for pressing and drying flat specimens such as leaves and herbaceous plants, and unsuitable for storing three-dimensional specimens like fruits and seeds. Second, they lack classification capabilities; stacking multiple specimens can lead to label confusion, and improper handling during pressing (such as uneven pressure) can deform or damage the specimens. Furthermore, the bulky and heavy presses are inconvenient for long-distance field transport and fail to meet the demands of modern rapid collection and multi-scenario operations.

[0025] In recent years, sample storage devices with mechanical partitioning structures have emerged in the market. Common designs include drawer-type partition boxes and stackable trays. For example, some devices use multiple drawers to divide different sample areas, with each drawer equipped with an independent lock and label, allowing for categorized storage by plant family, collection location, and other dimensions. Compared to traditional containers, these devices represent a significant improvement in classification management, but they still have shortcomings: First, the partitioning structure is fixed, making it difficult to adapt to samples of different sizes (e.g., the space cannot be flexibly adjusted when large branches and tiny seeds coexist); second, the storage and retrieval operation is cumbersome, requiring the drawers to be opened layer by layer for retrieval, especially in multi-layer designs where the bottom samples are extremely inconvenient to access; and third, they lack environmental control functions, failing to meet the specific requirements of samples for temperature, humidity, light, and other conditions.

[0026] Modular design principles are also applied in sample storage devices. Typical products use detachable, independent sample boxes, allowing users to freely combine modules of different specifications according to their needs. For example, some devices offer multiple functional modules such as drying boxes, humidification boxes, and freezing boxes, which are connected to the main unit via snap-fit ​​or slots. This approach enhances flexibility.

[0027] Please see Figures 1-5 This utility model provides an embodiment: a sample storage device for classifiable plant collection, including a base 1 and a turntable 21 rotatably connected to the top of the base 1. A movable groove 22 is formed in the top of the turntable 21, penetrating the interior of the base 1. A spring 23 is connected inside the movable groove 22, and a push block 24 is connected to the top of the spring 23. The push block 24 is movably connected to the movable groove 22. A storage frame 25 is movably connected inside the movable groove 22, and a notch 26 is formed at the front end of the storage frame 25. The storage frame 25 is internally connected to a pull-out frame 27, and a handle 28 is connected to the top of the pull-out frame 27. Several ventilation holes 29 are provided on the top of the pull-out frame 27. Several friction grooves 210 are provided on the outer end of the turntable 21, and multiple label slots 211 are provided on the outer end of the turntable 21 at positions corresponding to the movable grooves 22. The rotation of the turntable 21 causes the storage frame 25 to move. When the movable grooves 22 on the turntable 21 coincide with the movable grooves 22 on the chassis 1, the spring 23 pushes the push block 24. The storage frame 25 is pushed out, and the slot 26 facilitates the removal of the storage frame 25 from the movable slot 22. By setting a rotatable turntable 21, a spring 23 linked to a pusher 24, and a positioning structure for the movable slot 22, the sample storage frame 25 can be easily rotated and removed. The turntable 21 is rotatably connected to the base 1. The operator can apply force through the friction groove 210 at the outer end of the turntable 21 to drive the turntable 21 to rotate flexibly and quickly switch different storage frames 25 to the operating position. When the movable slot 22 on the turntable 21 is aligned with the movable slot 22 on the base 1, the spring 23 in the slot automatically pushes the pusher 24 to push out the storage frame 25, so that it is partially exposed on the surface of the turntable 21. At this time, the storage frame 25 can be easily pulled out using the slot 26 at the front end, and the sample in the internal pull-out frame 27 can be retrieved. This design changes the cumbersome way of searching for samples in traditional storage devices. Through the combination of rotation positioning and spring 23 pushing, the sample storage and retrieval efficiency is significantly improved, avoiding the risk of sample crushing damage and confusion caused by frequent searching.

[0028] Please see Figures 1-5In this embodiment, the outer end of the chassis 1 is connected to the outer shell 31. The left and right ends of the outer shell 31 are provided with sliding grooves 32. The outer ends of the sliding grooves 32 are slidably connected to the protective plate 33. The front end of the protective plate 33 is connected to the handle 34. The top of the turntable 21 is provided with a water collection port 35. The interior of the water collection port 35 penetrates the interior of the chassis 1 and is connected to the collection port 36. The rear end of the chassis 1 is connected to the water pipe 37. The outer shell 31 is equipped with a sliding protective plate 33. By pulling the protective plate 33 with the handle 34, the protective plate 33 can be moved in the sliding groove 32, which can flexibly open and close the device. It provides convenient operating space when storing and retrieving samples. When idle, the device can be completely closed to effectively block dust, moisture and external debris from entering and protect the internal samples and structure. The water collection port 35 at the top of the turntable 21 is connected to the collection port 36 and the water pipe 37 to form a guide channel, which can collect the spilled water in time and maintain the humidity of the storage environment.

[0029] Please see Figures 2-5 In this embodiment, the water pipe 37 is connected to the collection port 36. The end of the water pipe 37 away from the collection port 36 is connected to a water pump 38. The front end of the water pump 38 is connected to a storage tank 39. The bottom of the storage tank 39 extends to the inside of the outer shell 31 and is connected to a humidifier 310. Water is injected into the collection port 36 and the water pump 38 is started. The water pump 38 draws water through the water pipe 37 into the storage tank 39. The humidifier 310 atomizes the water in the storage tank 39 and sprays it out. The water pump 38 pumps the water from the collection port 36 to the storage tank 39, avoiding water waste. The humidifier 310 connected to the storage tank 39 atomizes the water and sprays it out, which can accurately regulate the humidity inside the device, creating a suitable storage environment for humidity-sensitive fresh samples (such as fruits, leaves, and seedlings), preventing the samples from withering due to dryness or mold due to excessive humidity, while reducing the investment in additional humidification equipment and improving the functionality and economy of the device.

[0030] During operation, the operator first applies force to the friction groove 210 on the outer end of the turntable 21, causing the turntable 21 to rotate flexibly and rotate the target storage frame 25 to the front operating position. When the turntable 21 is precisely aligned with the movable groove 22 of the chassis 1, the built-in spring 23 automatically drives the push block 24 to smoothly push out the storage frame 25, exposing its front end slot 26. At this point, the storage frame 25 can be easily pulled out by hooking the slot 26 with a single finger. Opening the handle 28 on the pull-out frame 27 allows for sample retrieval. The entire process avoids sample damage and confusion caused by traditional rummaging. In terms of protection, when not in use, the protective plates 33 on both sides of the outer shell 31 can be pushed by the handle 34 to slide and close along the slide groove 32, completely sealing the device and effectively isolating dust, moisture, and external debris, protecting the internal samples and structures. When storing or retrieving samples, the protective plate 33 is slid open to provide ample operating space. At the same time, the water collection port 35 on the top of the turntable 21, the collection port 36 in the chassis 1, and the water pipe 37 form a guide channel to collect spilled water in a timely manner, preventing water accumulation from affecting the sample storage environment. For environmental regulation, water is injected into the collection port 36 and the water pump 38 is started. The water pump 38 pumps the water through the water pipe 37 to the storage box 39. The humidifier 310 connected to the bottom of the storage box 39 atomizes the water inside the box and sprays it out, precisely regulating the humidity inside the device. For humidity-sensitive fresh samples, such as delicate leaves, fruits, or seedlings, this system can effectively prevent the samples from withering due to dryness or mold due to excessive humidity. While reducing the investment in additional humidification equipment, it provides a suitable storage environment for the samples, improving the practicality and economy of the device.

Claims

1. A sample storage device for classifiable plant collection, comprising a base (1); characterized in that: It also includes a turntable (21) rotatably connected to the top of the chassis (1). The top of the turntable (21) has a movable groove (22) extending through the interior of the chassis (1). A spring (23) is connected inside the movable groove (22). A push block (24) is connected to the top of the spring (23). The push block (24) is movably connected to the movable groove (22). A storage frame (25) is movably connected inside the movable groove (22). A slot (26) is provided at the front end of the storage frame (25). A pull-out frame (27) is movably connected inside the storage frame (25). A handle (28) is connected to the top of the pull-out frame (27). The top of the pull-out frame (27) has several ventilation holes (29), the outer end of the turntable (21) has several friction grooves (210), and the outer end of the turntable (21) has multiple label grooves (211) corresponding to the position of the movable groove (22). The turntable (21) rotates to drive the storage frame (25) to move. When the movable groove (22) on the turntable (21) coincides with the movable groove (22) on the chassis (1), the spring (23) pushes the push block (24) to push the storage frame (25) out. The slot (26) makes it easy to pull the storage frame (25) out of the movable groove (22).

2. The sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end of the chassis (1) is connected to the outer shell (31), and the left and right ends of the outer shell (31) are provided with sliding grooves (32).

3. The sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 2, characterized in that: A protective plate (33) is slidably connected to the outer end of the slide (32), and a handle (34) is connected to the front end of the protective plate (33).

4. The sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the turntable (21) is provided with a water collection port (35), the inside of the water collection port (35) passes through the inside of the chassis (1) and is connected to a collection port (36), and the rear end of the chassis (1) is connected to a water pipe (37).

5. A sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water pipe (37) is connected to the collection port (36). The end of the water pipe (37) away from the collection port (36) is connected to a water pump (38). The front end of the water pump (38) is connected to a storage tank (39).

6. The sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the storage tank (39) extends to the inside of the outer shell (31) and is connected to a humidifier (310) to fill water into the collection port (36) and start the water pump (38).

7. A sample storage device for classifiable plant collection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water pump (38) draws water through the water pipe (37) into the storage tank (39), and the humidifier (310) atomizes and sprays the water in the storage tank (39).