Portable mobile constant-temperature test tube rack suitable for multiple test tubes

Abstract

The utility model provides a portable mobile constant temperature test tube rack of adapting to multiple test tubes simultaneously relates to medical instrument technical field, including base, multiple heat control units and control module, wherein: the base is inserted with multiple heat control units, multiple heat control units are equipped with the accommodation groove of adapting to different test tube bottom shape, control module setting is on the base, and is connected with multiple heat control units independent electric property, the heat control unit of adapting to round bottom, cone bottom etc. different test tube bottom shape is set up in the application, realizes the constant temperature control without replacing test tube, avoids the infection risk in the process of replacing test tube, simultaneously, heat control unit adopts the plug -in type design with the base, can increase and decrease the number flexibly to adapt to different experiment demand, and is convenient to wash, disinfect and replace individually, has promoted the use convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously. Background Technology

[0002] Thermostatic test tube racks primarily provide a stable temperature environment for biological samples. In the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF), thermostatic test tube racks play a crucial role from sperm and egg cell sampling to the division of the fertilized egg after fertilization, and their temperature uniformity directly affects the quality of embryo development. Furthermore, this equipment is widely used in cell culture, serum separation, nucleic acid amplification, and other applications.

[0003] Existing thermostatic test tube racks have the following drawbacks: First, their compatibility is limited: most products use a fixed-size test tube housing structure, which cannot simultaneously accommodate test tubes with various bottom shapes such as round and conical. This necessitates frequent test tube replacements to adapt to different experimental steps, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Second, their level of intelligence is insufficient: although some devices have basic temperature control functions, they lack advanced capabilities such as liquid level detection and independent temperature control for multiple modules, making it difficult to dynamically adjust heating strategies. Third, their mobility is limited: designs relying on a fixed power supply cannot meet the needs of cross-regional sampling. For example, in scenarios involving transport between embryo laboratories and sperm banks, the temperature of traditional test tube racks drops rapidly after being disconnected from the power supply, potentially leading to the inactivation of sperm and egg cells.

[0004] Based on this, this application proposes a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can simultaneously accommodate multiple test tubes, in order to solve at least one of the aforementioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously, thus solving the infection risk problem caused by changing test tubes for temperature control in experiments requiring the use of test tubes with different bottom shapes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously includes a base, multiple thermal control units, and a control module, wherein:

[0008] Multiple thermal control units are plugged into the base;

[0009] Multiple thermal control units are equipped with receiving slots that can accommodate different test tube bottom shapes;

[0010] The control module is mounted on the base and is electrically connected independently to multiple thermal control units.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal control unit includes: a liquid level detection module, which is adapted to detect the liquid level in the test tube contained in the thermal control unit, and the liquid level detection module is electrically connected to the control module.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid level detection module includes a gravity sensor, which is disposed at the bottom of the thermal control unit and is suitable for detecting the liquid level by detecting the weight of the test tube contained in the thermal control unit.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the thermal control unit further includes a temperature probe disposed within the thermal control unit and adapted to detect the temperature of the thermal control unit; the temperature probe is electrically connected to the control module.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the temperature probe is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving tank.

[0015] In one embodiment, the thermal control unit further includes an alarm device electrically connected to a temperature probe.

[0016] In one embodiment, the test tube rack further includes a battery module, which is electrically connected to a control module and is detachably connected to the base.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the battery module is provided with USB, Type-C, and DC interfaces.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, a second alarm device is provided on the battery module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the test tube rack further includes:

[0020] The control panel is mounted on the base and is electrically connected to the control module.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the control panel also includes a display screen.

[0022] In one embodiment, the top of the receiving groove is provided with a chamfered structure.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the thermal control unit is provided with an anti-slip structure.

[0024] This invention provides a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tube types simultaneously. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages:

[0025] This application achieves constant temperature control without replacing test tubes by setting up a heat control unit that adapts to different test tube bottom shapes such as round bottom and conical bottom, thus avoiding the risk of infection during test tube replacement. At the same time, the heat control unit and the base adopt a plug-in design, which can be flexibly increased or decreased to adapt to different experimental needs, and is easy to clean, disinfect and replace individually, thus improving the ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front-view perspective three-dimensional diagram of a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can simultaneously accommodate multiple test tubes, as provided in this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a rear-view perspective view of the test tube rack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly relationship of the various components of the test tube rack provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the receiving groove provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 The main view of the control panel provided in this embodiment of the application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the thermal control unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Thermal control unit; 3. Power module; 4. Control panel;

[0034] 21. Reservoir; 22. Gravity sensor; 23. Temperature probe. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0036] This application provides a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously, thus solving the infection risk problem caused by changing test tubes for temperature control in experiments requiring the use of test tubes with different bottom shapes.

[0037] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] See Figures 1-6 As shown, a portable mobile constant temperature test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously includes a base 1, multiple thermal control units 2, and a control module. The base 1 is connected to multiple thermal control units 2. The multiple thermal control units 2 have receiving slots 21 that are adapted to different test tube bottom shapes. The control module is set on the base 1 and is independently electrically connected to the multiple thermal control units 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the thermal control unit 2 has a receiving groove 21 adapted to different test tube bottom shapes, as detailed in the following document. Figure 4 Taking the two types of test tubes shown as examples, namely round-bottom test tubes and conical-bottom test tubes, in general IVF experiments, biological sample collection, cell culture, oocyte retrieval and other experiments, due to the different requirements of different operation steps, there are often multiple test tubes with different bottom shapes to store cells. For example, conical-bottom test tubes have a good static stratification effect and are suitable for centrifugation operations, while round-bottom test tubes are heated more evenly. Based on this, a receiving groove 21 adapted to different test tube bottom shapes is set up, so that constant temperature control of cells can be achieved without changing test tubes, avoiding the infection risk that may occur during the test tube replacement process.

[0041] Furthermore, the thermal control unit 2 is plugged into the base 1, including but not limited to structures such as snap-fit, interference fit, and threads. This means that the thermal control unit 2 can be removed from the base 1 independently, thereby maintaining or heating various quantities and bottom shapes of test tubes according to the needs of actual experiments. This improves the convenience of using the device for medical staff or laboratory personnel, and also facilitates cleaning, disinfection, and replacement. The thermal control unit 2 can be electrically connected to the control module and power supply when plugged into the base 1 through structures such as plugs and contacts, thereby enabling it to work. This is existing technology and is commonly found in modular devices such as battery charging stations and computer hosts. Its specific principles will not be elaborated here.

[0042] It is conceivable that the thermal control unit 2 has a heating structure inside, such as a resistance wire or a heating element. The use of electric heating to heat or maintain the temperature of the test tubes in the receiving tank 21 is existing technology and can be found in other constant temperature test tube racks. Its principle will not be elaborated here. The control module electrically connected to the thermal control unit 2 can control the heating temperature of the heating structure in the thermal control unit 2. It is commonly found in water heaters, water dispensers, electric mosquito coils, etc., and is existing technology. Its principle will not be elaborated here.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] See Figures 1-6 As shown, a portable mobile constant temperature test tube rack that can adapt to multiple test tubes simultaneously includes all the contents of Embodiment 1. In addition, the thermal control unit 2 includes: a liquid level detection module, which is suitable for detecting the liquid level of the test tubes contained in the thermal control unit 2, and the liquid level detection module is electrically connected to the control module.

[0045] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the liquid level detection module detects the liquid level of the test tube in the receiving tank 21 and feeds back the relevant liquid level data to the control module, thereby adjusting the heating power, avoiding waste caused by heating empty tubes, helping to maintain temperature uniformity, and preventing sample degradation.

[0046] It is conceivable that there are various detection placements and principles for liquid level detection modules. Considering that this device is suitable for cell-based implementation, using a float-type liquid level detection module may pose an infection risk. Generally, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection module can use a photoelectric liquid level sensor, which is attached to the outer wall of the test tube through a thin probe or patch structure. When the liquid level has not reached the detection point, the light undergoes total internal reflection at the air interface, and there is no light signal in the receiving tube. When the liquid level submerges the detection point, the light is refracted into the liquid, and the receiving tube receives the signal and outputs the quantity. Alternatively, a gravity sensor (such as a strain gauge or piezoelectric type) can be used, which can calculate the liquid level from the liquid density.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid level detection module includes: a gravity sensor 22, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown, the gravity sensor 22 is located at the bottom of the thermal control unit 2 and is suitable for detecting the liquid level by detecting the weight of the test tube contained in the thermal control unit 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the gravity sensor 22, compared to other sensors, does not directly contact the liquid in the test tube, thus avoiding the risk of contamination. It mainly outputs relevant electrical signals through the deformation of the strain gauge or the change of the piezoresistor, thereby realizing the control module and signal feedback, and then adjusting the heating power according to the liquid level. This type of structure is commonly found in electronic scales, food filling production lines, coffee machines (detecting the water level in the tank or the remaining amount of coffee beans), etc., and belongs to the prior art.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the thermal control unit 2 further includes a temperature probe 23, which is disposed within the thermal control unit 2 and is suitable for detecting the temperature of the thermal control unit 2. The temperature probe 23 is electrically connected to the control module.

[0050] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the temperature probe 23 is used to detect the temperature of the thermal control unit 2. When the temperature control fails or the temperature rises abnormally, it sends an electrical signal to the control module to stop heating.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the temperature probe 23 is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving groove 21.

[0052] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the temperature probe 23 on the inner wall of the receiving tank 21 is closer to the test tube and can collect the test tube temperature data more accurately.

[0053] Example 3:

[0054] A portable, mobile constant temperature test tube rack that can simultaneously adapt to multiple test tubes includes all the contents of Embodiments 1 to 2 and their preferred embodiments. In addition, the thermal control unit 2 also includes an alarm device, which is electrically connected to the temperature probe 23.

[0055] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the alarm device is electrically connected to the temperature probe 23. When the temperature control fails or the temperature rises abnormally, the alarm device can receive the signal from the temperature probe 23 and notify medical staff or laboratory personnel to intervene. The alarm device can adopt a structure such as a buzzer or a strobe light, which is existing technology, and its specific principle will not be described here.

[0056] Example 4:

[0057] See Figures 1-6 As shown, a portable mobile constant temperature test tube rack that can adapt to multiple test tubes simultaneously includes all the contents of Embodiments 1 to 3 and their preferred embodiments. In addition, it also includes: a battery module 3, which is electrically connected to a control module, and the battery module 3 is detachably connected to the base 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, it should be noted that in in vitro fertilization experiments, since sperm banks and egg banks are usually located in different places, researchers inevitably need to travel back and forth between the cell bank and the constant temperature test tube rack during the sampling process, which is cumbersome. This device, by setting up battery module 3, allows researchers or medical staff to carry the test tube rack for sampling without having to travel back and forth to maintain the constant temperature of the cells, thus reducing the workload of medical staff. In addition, the detachable battery module 3 is easy to clean, disinfect and replace. It can be detached through snaps, interference fits, threads, etc., which are existing technologies, and the principle of the detachable structure will not be described in detail here.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the battery module 3 is provided with USB, Type-C, and DC interfaces.

[0060] In this embodiment, it should be noted that common interfaces such as USB, Type-C, and DC are provided, which are suitable for charging via other types of chargers, such as mobile phone chargers, in emergency situations.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the battery module 3 is provided with a second alarm device.

[0062] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the second alarm device is suitable for issuing an alarm when the battery is low. It is commonly found in devices such as mobile phones, power banks, and rechargeable batteries. The specific principle will not be described in detail here. The second alarm device can inform medical staff of the usage status of the battery module 3, so as to avoid the constant temperature failure due to the power being exhausted during remote sampling and other uses without power.

[0063] Example 5:

[0064] See Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, a portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously includes all the contents of Examples 1 to 4 and their preferred embodiments, and further includes:

[0065] Control panel 4 is mounted on base 1 and is electrically connected to the control module.

[0066] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the control panel 4 can be equipped with multiple buttons to start and stop the device.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the control panel 4 is also provided with a display screen.

[0068] In this embodiment, it should be noted that medical staff can observe the temperature of the constant temperature test tube of this device through the display screen, or set the constant temperature, etc.; the control panel 4 and the display screen can also display, for example, the battery module 3 power level, and set the constant temperature time, etc. This type of structure is common in air conditioner remote controls, water purifier panels, etc., and belongs to the prior art, so its principle will not be described in detail here.

[0069] Example 6:

[0070] A portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously includes all the contents of Embodiments 1 to 5 and their preferred embodiments. In addition, the top of the receiving slot 21 is provided with a chamfered structure.

[0071] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the top of the receiving groove 21 is provided with a chamfered structure, which makes it easier for medical staff to put test tubes into the receiving groove 21 and reduces the impact on the test tubes.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the thermal control unit 2 is provided with an anti-slip structure.

[0073] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the anti-slip structure can be implemented by means of anti-slip texture, groove, etc., which makes it easier for medical staff to insert and remove the thermal control unit, reducing the risk of medical staff dropping their hands when inserting or removing the thermal control unit 2, causing the test tube inside the thermal control unit 2 to fall and cause damage.

[0074] In summary, compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0075] 1. This application achieves constant temperature control without replacing test tubes by setting up a heat control unit that adapts to different test tube bottom shapes such as round bottom and conical bottom, thus avoiding the risk of infection during test tube replacement. At the same time, the heat control unit and the base adopt a plug-in design, which can be flexibly increased or decreased to adapt to different experimental needs, and is easy to clean, disinfect and replace individually, thus improving the ease of use.

[0076] 2. This device incorporates a liquid level detection module (gravity sensor) and a temperature probe. The liquid level detection module detects the liquid level using a photoelectric or gravity sensor (the gravity sensor does not contact the liquid), while the temperature probe is placed close to the inner wall of the container to accurately measure the temperature. This allows for feedback of liquid level data to adjust the heating power to avoid wasting empty tubes, maintain temperature uniformity, prevent sample degradation, and trigger heating to stop when the temperature is abnormal, ensuring sample safety.

[0077] 3. This device is equipped with an alarm system that is linked to the temperature probe and alerts the user via a buzzer or strobe light. This provides timely warnings in case of temperature control failure or abnormal temperature, facilitating intervention by medical personnel and preventing sample damage.

[0078] 4. This device features a detachable battery module and multiple interfaces, enabling the test tube rack to be used without a power source. It also includes common interfaces such as USB and Type-C, solving the problem of cumbersome travel to and from the cell bank during sampling and reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0079] 5. The control panel, the chamfered top of the receiving tank, and the anti-slip texture on the outer surface of the thermal control unit enhance the intuitiveness of operation, reduce the risk of bumping the test tubes when inserting them and the probability of them slipping and falling when being inserted or removed, thus optimizing the user experience for medical staff in multiple ways.

[0080] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising"...

[0081] "Comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0082] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that can accommodate multiple test tubes simultaneously, characterized in that, Includes a base (1), multiple thermal control units (2), and a control module, wherein: The plurality of thermal control units (2) are inserted into the base (1); The multiple thermal control units (2) are provided with receiving slots (21) adapted to different test tube bottom shapes; The control module is mounted on the base (1) and is electrically connected independently to the plurality of thermal control units (2).

2. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal control unit (2) includes: A liquid level detection module is used to detect the liquid level in the test tube contained in the thermal control unit (2), and the liquid level detection module is electrically connected to the control module.

3. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid level detection module includes: A gravity sensor (22) is installed at the bottom of the thermal control unit (2) and is suitable for detecting the liquid level by detecting the weight of the test tube contained in the thermal control unit (2).

4. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal control unit (2) also includes: Temperature probe (23) is installed inside the thermal control unit (2) and is used to detect the temperature of the thermal control unit (2). The temperature probe (23) is electrically connected to the control module.

5. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature probe (23) is disposed on the inner wall of the receiving tank (21).

6. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal control unit (2) also includes: An alarm device is electrically connected to the temperature probe (23).

7. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Battery module (3) is electrically connected to the control module and is detachably connected to the base (1).

8. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Control panel (4) is mounted on the base (1) and electrically connected to the control module.

9. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the receiving groove (21) is provided with a chamfered structure.

10. The portable, mobile, temperature-controlled test tube rack that simultaneously accommodates multiple test tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the thermal control unit (2) is provided with an anti-slip structure.

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