Autoclavable Container Card Label for Automated Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In animal breeding or plant research facilities, the processing of container contents is often error-prone due to manual handling and contamination risks, and existing systems do not adequately address ergonomic concerns for staff.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring machine-readable container card labels and corresponding reading devices that automatically detect and record container information, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing contamination risks, with the labels being autoclavable and reusable to maintain sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual handling and data entry are used for container identification, then staff can process containers, but errors in identification and data recording increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling and data entry with an automated optical reading system. The reader device automatically scans and records container card information without manual intervention, eliminating transcription errors and improving identification accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container cards are designed to be self-identifying through machine-readable codes. The system allows automatic self-recording of container information without requiring staff to manually enter data, thereby improving accuracy and simplifying the operational process.
2Reliability
If container card labels are made autoclavable for sterility, then contamination risks are reduced, but the labels may degrade or become difficult to reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container card system into separate components: the container card itself and the removable label. This allows the label to be detached, autoclaved separately, and reused on different containers, maintaining sterility while enabling reuse without degradation of the entire card system.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is designed to be discarded after use and recovered (autoclaved and reused) for subsequent applications. This separate treatment allows the label to undergo sterilization processes without compromising the integrity of the container card, thereby maintaining sterility and enabling reuse.
3Speed
If existing RFID chips are attached to container lids for identification, then reading distance is improved, but contamination risks increase and autoclaving becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or replaceable container cards with machine-readable codes that can be autoclaved without concern for electronic component damage. This replaces expensive, sensitive RFID chips with simpler, autoclavable identification media that maintain sterility and can be reused without contamination risks.
4Productivity
If manual data entry is required for container processing, then flexibility in handling different container types is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with an automated optical reading system that scans container cards and automatically records information. This substitution significantly increases processing speed and productivity while the simple, non-intrusive reading device maintains compatibility with various container types without adding complex automation infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for animal breeding or plant research facilities, comprising a rack (16) for holding containers (3a, 3b, 3c), a changeover station (24), a work surface (10) of the changeover station (24) for processing objects in at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c) on the work surface (10), a reader (17) of the changeover station (24) for electronic container cards (11), autoclavable containers (3a, 3b, 3c) for holding objects, and electronic container cards (11) removable from the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) for identifying the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) and for displaying the container contents directly on the container (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein a machine-readable container card label (22), distinct from the container card (11), is attached to each container (3a, 3b, 3c) for The identification of the respective container (3a, 3b, 3c) and a reading device (7, 8) different from the reading device (17) for capturing the container labels (22) are provided.