Elastic Coated Container Holder for Variable Sample Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container holders in laboratories are not suitable for accommodating sample containers of different dimensions, leading to potential sample losses during mixing, as they fail to securely hold containers of varying sizes, especially when subjected to centrifugal forces on a mixer.
Innovation Solution
A container holder with a rigid plastic frame and elastic plastic or rubber coating that allows for elastic deformation to securely clamp tubular sample containers of different dimensions, preventing them from being thrown out during mixing and allowing for visual observation during metering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid container holder is used to hold sample containers, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but sample containers of different dimensions cannot be securely held
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a coating made of elastic plastic material or rubber on the inner surface of the rigid container holder. This coating acts as a flexible element that can elastically deform to accommodate sample containers of different dimensions while the rigid frame maintains overall structural stability. The flexible coating adapts to various container sizes without requiring multiple rigid holder designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holder combines two different materials: a rigid plastic material for the frame structure and an elastic plastic material or rubber for the coating. This composite construction allows the holder to simultaneously provide structural stability through the rigid frame and adaptability to different container dimensions through the elastic coating.
2Reliability
If the coating covers the entire panel, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is applied selectively only in specific regions where it is most needed for securing sample containers, rather than covering the entire panel uniformly. This localized coating approach maintains reliable connection security at critical locations while reducing manufacturing complexity and material consumption.
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 container holder effectively secures sample containers of various sizes, preventing losses and ensuring they remain in place during shaking, while allowing for flexible orientation and easy observation during metering processes.
Implementation Method 1
a coating of the frame which is made of an elastic plastic material or of rubber, and which partially closes off the cross section of the holes. Tubular sample containers can be inserted into the holes of the per se rigid container holder under elastic deformation of the coating. As a consequence, the sample containers are elastically fixed on the perimeter.
Data Source
AI summary
A container holder for a multiplicity of tubular sample containers with a frame made of a rigid plastic material, comprising a panel with a multiplicity of holes, and a coating of the frame which is made of an elastic plastic material or of rubber, and which partially closes off the cross section of the holes.