Biological Sample Storage Device with Rigid Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardboard cases for biological samples are prone to moisture damage and have low structural strength, leading to handling issues and potential misplacement during automated processing, and existing rigid holders are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two rigid frames with apertures that sandwich the biological sample storage medium, allowing for robust handling and easy assembly, with features like pre-defined areas of weakness and alignment bosses/holes for secure placement and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cardboard cases are used for storing biological samples, then the device is easy to manufacture and inexpensive, but the structural strength is low and susceptibility to moisture damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a cardboard inner case with a rigid outer holder. The cardboard provides ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness, while the rigid holder material (such as plastic or metal) provides structural strength and moisture resistance. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their advantageous properties to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is divided into two functional segments: an inner cardboard case that holds the sample storage medium and provides basic structure, and an outer rigid holder that provides protection against mechanical damage and moisture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.
2Strength
If rigid holders are used to protect samples from mechanical damage, then structural strength increases, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a simple inner cardboard case and an outer rigid holder, where each component has a straightforward structure and function. This segmentation avoids the need for complex integrated designs while achieving the desired protection level.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining simple cardboard with a rigid holder material, the invention achieves high structural strength without requiring the entire device to be made from complex or expensive rigid materials. The composite structure allows the rigid holder to provide protection only where necessary.
3Ease of operation
If samples are simply inserted into rigid holders by aligning with a groove, then ease of operation increases, but reliability decreases due to easy removal or falling out during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static groove alignment system to a dynamic system where the sample storage medium is held firmly by friction between the cardboard case and rigid holder. This dynamic friction-based retention maintains ease of insertion while preventing accidental removal during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical groove-alignment retention system with a friction-based retention system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical interlocking, the sample is retained through the friction between the cardboard case surface and the inner surface of the rigid holder, providing more reliable retention during automated handling.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for holding biological samples and methods of assembling the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a pair of rigid frames is described, each frame comprising an aperture. A biological sample storage medium is placed between the two frames so that the biological sample storage medium at least partly overlaps each of the apertures in the frames. The two frames are joined to fix the biological sample storage medium in place while allowing access to the biological sample storage medium via each of the apertures. The frames can be rigid and waterproof, and provide a robust storage media for biological samples. At least one pre-defined area of weakness can be provided in the frames, to allow removal of a portion of the frames, which may correspond to indicia on the storage medium.