Angled Sample Vial Rack for Automated Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional racks for biological sample vials and cryotubes do not allow for automated traceability, requiring manual extraction and repositioning of samples, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and they are also bulky, taking up significant storage space.
Innovation Solution
A rack design featuring a base connected to a peripheral wall with housings angled between 30° and 50°, allowing for automated reading of identification codes and location data of vials and cryotubes in a single step, while providing a compact and space-saving structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional racks with vertical housings are used, then vials and cryotubes can be stored, but automated reading of identification codes is not possible without manual extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The housing axis is tilted at an angle of 30° to 50° relative to the vertical direction, transitioning from a vertical arrangement to an inclined configuration. This dimensional change allows identification codes on vial labels to be oriented in a direction accessible to automated scanning devices, enabling automated reading without requiring manual extraction of the vials from the rack.
2Reliability
If simple bin racks are used, then storage is enabled, but the risk of spillage and shocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple independent housings, each capable of containing a single vial or cryotube. These individual housings are tilted at 30° to 50° and provide separate compartments that prevent vials from moving freely, thereby reducing the risk of shocks and spillage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each housing is specifically designed with a tilted orientation (30° to 50°) and appropriate dimensions to accommodate specific vial or cryotube formats. This local optimization ensures that each compartment provides adequate protection and stability for its contents without requiring complex overall rack design.
3Productivity
If multiple individual housings are used, then organized storage is achieved, but storage space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the housings at 30° to 50° instead of using vertical orientations, the rack utilizes space more efficiently. The inclined configuration allows for closer spacing between housings and enables better utilization of the rack's internal volume, reducing the overall space required compared to conventional vertical housing arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
The rack for biological sample vials and/or cryotubes includes a peripheral wall with an upper edge defining an access opening to the internal volume of the rack. There is at least one row of housings inside the internal volume. Each housing is adapted to accommodate a biological sample vial and/or cryotube. The housings are delimited by a lower face and surmounted by a side wall. There is a base connected to the peripheral wall. An axis of the housings forms an angle α of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees with the base.