Centrifuge Indicating Ring for Balanced Test Tube Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifuges lack a reliable and non-electronic method to indicate the balanced placement of test tubes, requiring manual placement which is time-consuming and can lead to inefficient operation and potential damage from high-speed rotation.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal identification disk with an indicating ring featuring a plurality of indicating icons that are detachably mounted on the centrifuge assembly, providing quick and accurate placement guidance for test tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic indicating components are added to guide test tube placement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from high-speed rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest tube placement guidanceVSAvoidcomponent durability under high-speed rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic indicating components with a mechanical/optical indicating ring that features transparent and opaque segments. This mechanical system is inherently more reliable under high-speed rotation as it contains no fragile electronic parts, while still providing clear visual guidance for test tube placement through the transparent/opaque pattern design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicating ring is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Its simple mechanical structure makes it more durable than electronic components in the high-speed rotation environment, and it can be readily replaced to maintain functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If manual identification of test tube positions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to considerable time required for placement determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication system structureVSAvoidtime for test tube placement determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses transparent and opaque segments on the indicating ring to create visual contrasts that quickly guide users to correct test tube positions. This visual indication system dramatically reduces the time required for placement determination while maintaining simple device structure without complex electronics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The indicating ring is pre-configured with transparent and opaque segments that mark the correct positions for test tubes before the centrifugation process begins. This preliminary visual guidance eliminates the need for users to calculate or determine positions during operation, significantly reducing placement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12521733B2Centrifugal identification disk and centrifuge

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ZHONG YAOYANG

AI summary

A centrifugal identification disk, which includes an indicating ring, a clearance portion is provided in the indicating ring, and the clearance portion fits around an outer side of a centrifugal assembly of a centrifuge body, a plurality of indicating portions, the plurality of indicating portions are arranged on a surface of the indicating ring; each indicating portion includes an indicating icon, the indicating icons are circumferentially arranged on the indicating ring to indicate balanced positions for experimental test tubes on the centrifugal assembly. The problem of how to add device indicating placement of test tubes to existing centrifuge is solved, thereby increasing the property and reliability of the centrifuge.