Elastic Nub Biasing Structure for Sample Container Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory automation systems face challenges in securely holding and transporting sample containers of varying diameters due to the limitations of existing biasing structures, which often fail to center and stabilize containers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sample container holding and transporting device with an aperture featuring a biasing structure comprising elastically deflectable nubs distributed along the longitudinal axis, allowing for adjustable biasing force through varying nub selection, arrangement, and material, such as silicone or metal, to securely accommodate containers of different diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biasing structures (springs) are used to center and force sample containers, then sample containers can be held securely, but the device cannot effectively accommodate sample containers of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing structure is segmented into multiple discrete nubs distributed along the longitudinal axis of the aperture. Each nub acts as an independent elastic element that can deflect individually, allowing the structure to adapt to different container diameters while maintaining secure holding through cumulative biasing force from multiple nubs.
Solution Approach 2:
The nubs are designed with specific elastic properties (material composition, dimensions, distribution pattern) that allow them to deflect and adjust the biasing force according to the inserted container's diameter. By changing parameters such as nub material, size, and spacing, the same aperture can securely hold containers of varying diameters.
2Device complexity
If a fixed biasing structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adjust biasing force for different applications and container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the aperture are equipped with nubs having different local properties (material, size, deflection characteristics) based on the specific holding requirements for different container types. This allows the biasing structure to provide optimized local adaptation without requiring a completely different design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture with the nub-based biasing structure is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of sample containers (different diameters, shapes) through the elastic adaptation of the nubs. The same structure performs multiple functions by adjusting to different container geometries while maintaining secure holding.
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 device reliably centers and secures sample containers of different diameters, providing adjustable biasing forces to ensure stable handling and transportation within the laboratory automation system, even under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing structure is provided in the aperture, wherein the biasing structure comprises a plurality of elastically deflectable nubs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a sample container holding and/or transporting device (1) having an aperture (10) with a longitudinal axis (A), which aperture (10) is configured for receiving a sample container, wherein a biasing structure (2) is provided in the aperture (10), which comprises a plurality of elastically deflectable nubs (20, 25, 26), wherein the nubs (20, 25, 26) are distributed spatially discrete along the longitudinal axis (A) of the aperture (10). The invention further relates to a use of a structure having nubs as a biasing structure in a sample container holding and/or transporting device, and to a laboratory automation system comprising a sample container holding and/or transporting device.