Laboratory Consumable Carrier with Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for consumables in laboratory applications, such as microscope slides, lack intuitive handling features, leading to increased complexity and risk of damage during loading and unloading, which can result in system reliability issues and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A consumable carrier with a spring-loaded clamp plate and locking lever mechanism that allows force-free insertion and removal of consumables, featuring a centring collar and integrated handles for easy manual handling, and optional RFID or barcode markers for identification, enabling secure and efficient stacking and automated processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring clamps or spring-loaded retain elements are used for positioning and fixation, then the consumables can be secured in the carrier, but the elements must be kept open for insertion which increases handling complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with recessed grips, handles, and finger holes that are ready before use. The two-hand operation mechanism is prepared in advance with one hand holding the carrier and the other equipping it, eliminating the need to manually open/close spring clamps during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamps and spring-loaded retain elements are removed from the design entirely. Instead of using these mechanical retention elements, the patent employs a locking lever mechanism that locks the carrier in a fixed position, simplifying the insertion process and reducing handling complexity.
2Ease of operation
If consumables are forced into the holder by displacement of positioning and fixation features, then the consumables can be loaded, but abrasion occurs which reduces system reliability and increases cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier design includes self-aligning features such as centring collars and recessed grips that automatically guide the consumables into the correct position during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for forced insertion and manual alignment, preventing abrasion and damage to both the carrier and consumables.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and alignment of consumables is required after loading, then the consumables can be properly positioned, but the handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with integrated support, positioning and fixation features that are prepared before loading. The centring collars and recessed grips are positioned in advance to automatically align consumables during insertion, eliminating the need for manual positioning and alignment after loading.
4Reliability
If two-hand operation is required for loading or unloading, then the carrier can be held and equipped, but the time and effort for handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex two-hand operation procedure is simplified by removing the need to manually manipulate multiple components. The locking lever mechanism allows one hand to hold the carrier while the other simply inserts or removes consumables, significantly reducing handling time and effort while maintaining stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The carrier simplifies manual and automated handling, reduces the risk of consumable damage, enhances system reliability, and improves user convenience by allowing single-step locking and secure positioning of multiple consumables, minimizing handling effort and reducing the need for complex alignment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded clamp plate
Implementation Method 2
locking lever may have semicircle or bent shape and has a cam at both ends
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to relates to a carrier for consumables which are mainly used in laboratory (analytic) applications and provides a carrier for consumables, comprising a ground plate with at least two cut-outs for accommodating a consumable, a clamp plate with at least one clamp extending partially above the cut-outs and a locking lever movably connected with the clamp plate, wherein the locking lever has at least a cam located at an end connected with the clamp plate, wherein the cam presses in a locking position of the locking lever the clamp plate towards the ground plate and releases in a releasing position a gap between ground plate and clamp plate.