Universal Container Carrier With Self-Adjusting Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated specimen testing is hindered by the variety of container sizes used in laboratory environments, as existing solutions do not efficiently accommodate multiple sizes, leading to frustration in the testing process.
Innovation Solution
A universal container carrier with a base plate and movable support frames, featuring a resilient biasing mechanism and rotatable conical roller members, which self-adjusts to securely hold containers of varying sizes by urging the support frames together and using pivoting linkages to accommodate different diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size container carrier is used, then the carrier structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate multiple sizes of specimen containers
Solution Approach 1:
The support frames are made movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted dynamically. This dynamic adjustment enables the carrier to accommodate containers of different sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the support frames is changed as a parameter to adapt to different container sizes. By varying the distance between support frames, the same carrier can hold containers with different lengths, achieving versatility through parameter variation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specifically sized carriers are used to accommodate different container sizes, then each carrier is optimized for its specific size, but the number of different carrier types increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal carrier design with adjustable support frames can perform the function of multiple specifically sized carriers. By making the support frames movable, one carrier type can accommodate various container sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carrier types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support frames are fixed in position, then the carrier structure is stable and simple, but it cannot self-adjust to different container diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The support frames are designed to move dynamically along the longitudinal axis in response to different container sizes. This dynamic capability allows automatic adjustment without complex mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability.
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 automatically adjusts to container sizes, allowing for efficient and secure transportation and testing of multiple specimens without the need for specifically sized carriers, enhancing the automation of the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing mechanism that is coupled to the base plate and the at least one support frame, and is configured to urge the at least one support frame towards the other support frame
Implementation Method 2
a pair of conically-shaped roller members that are rotatable disposed on the elongate shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A universal container carrier includes a base plate, and a pair of support frames coupled to the base plate. At least one of the support frames is configured to move relative to the other support frame. Each support frame comprises at least one container support configured to engage a portion of the side wall of a container disposed between the support frames The container carrier also includes a resilient biasing mechanism that is coupled to the base plate and the at least one support frame, and is configured to urge the at least one support frame towards the other support frame.