Elastomeric Centrifuge Lid Assembly for Secure High-Speed Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory centrifuge container lids and assemblies face challenges in ensuring secure connections that balance operational safety, material efficiency, and ease of assembly/disassembly, while meeting certification requirements for high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory centrifuge container lid design featuring a guide surface and stop/sealing surface interaction, combined with an elastomeric coupling ring, provides a secure connection through controlled degrees of freedom and friction/snap-fit mechanisms, ensuring stability and sealing during high-speed operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw caps or pivoting latch mechanisms are used to secure the connection between lid and container, then operational safety and secure connection are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric coupling ring that utilizes elastic deformation to create a secure friction-fit connection between the lid and container. The elastomeric material deforms during assembly and maintains continuous contact pressure, providing reliable connection security without requiring complex mechanical locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical locking systems (screw caps, pivoting latches) with an elastomeric friction-fit mechanism. The connection security is achieved through elastic friction forces rather than mechanical interlocking, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then connection security is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric coupling ring allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly through simple radial deformation. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material enables the lid to be easily attached by pressing it onto the container and removed by applying radial outward force, while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static mechanical lock to a dynamic elastomeric friction fit that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The elastomeric material's ability to dynamically deform and recover enables simple assembly operations while maintaining operational reliability.
3Reliability
If rigid locking mechanisms are used, then connection security is improved, but material usage and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric coupling ring provides a lightweight alternative to heavy metal locking components. The elastomeric material's high strength-to-density ratio enables secure connections with minimal material usage, reducing both mass and material costs while maintaining connection security.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then connection security is improved, but cleaning efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing complex mechanical locking systems with a smooth elastomeric friction-fit interface, the invention creates a surface that is easier to clean and sanitize. The elastomeric coupling ring's continuous surface without crevices or moving parts allows for more effective cleaning procedures, which is critical for laboratory applications.
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 design ensures reliable connection and sealing, reduces operational safety concerns, optimizes material usage, and simplifies assembly/disassembly, while meeting certification standards for high-speed centrifugation.
Implementation Method 1
The lid body and the coupling ring, which preferably are made of different materials, are injection-molded together. The coupling ring can be detachably connected to the lid body via a lid connection and/or detachably connected to the laboratory centrifuge container via a container connection, wherein the container connection is a snap-fit container connection. The elasticity of the elastomeric material of the coupling ring can secure the lid connection and/or the container connection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) with a laboratory centrifuge container lid (18). The laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) has a lid body (1) and a coupling ring (8) made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone. The coupling ring (8) is secured to the lid body (1) on one side by a lid snap connection (19) and to a laboratory centrifuge container (21) on the other side by means of a container snap connection (29). The elasticity of the elastomeric material of the coupling ring (8) is used to achieve the securing effect.