Laboratory Flask Reservoir for Heating Block Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory glassware does not effectively prevent accidental spillage when used with heating blocks, nor does it reduce sediment rings on the inner surface during agitation, and it limits the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating block.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory flask design featuring a reservoir adapted for releasable securement within a heating block, which includes a flask body, neck, and reservoir geometry that prevents tilting and facilitates efficient heat transfer, thereby reducing spillage and sediment accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional round bottom flasks are used with heating blocks, then the flask can be heated, but accidental spillage occurs due to tilting and unstable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The flask is divided into two functional parts: a round bottom flask body for containing the reaction mixture and a separate cylindrical reservoir at the bottom that interfaces with the heating block. This segmentation allows the flask body to maintain its traditional shape while the reservoir provides stable positioning, preventing tilting and spillage during heating operations.
2Temperature
If traditional flasks are used with heating blocks, then heating can occur, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to poor contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical reservoir at the bottom of the flask is designed with a specific geometry that matches the heating block surface, creating optimal local contact area for heat transfer. This localized improvement in contact quality at the reservoir-heating block interface enhances overall heat transfer efficiency without requiring changes to the entire flask structure.
3Productivity
If traditional flasks are used during agitation, then mixing can occur, but sediment rings accumulate on the inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the problem by designing the cylindrical reservoir with a flat bottom surface that sits at the lowest point of the flask assembly. This geometric configuration creates a preferred settlement zone at the bottom reservoir where suspended particles are directed during agitation, preventing them from depositing as rings on the upper flask walls and maintaining clearer reaction mixtures.
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 significantly reduces accidental spillage by at least 50% and extends the usable volume of heating blocks for larger reactions, while also substantially reducing sediment rings and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
facilitate efficient heat transfer from a laboratory heating block
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory flask for use in association with a laboratory heating block, having: a flask body, wherein the flask body includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall of the flask body includes an inner surface, and an outer surface; a neck, wherein the neck includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall of the neck includes an inner surface, and an outer surface, and wherein the neck emanates contiguously from the flask body; and a reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a bottom wall, and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall of the reservoir includes an inner surface, and an outer surface, and wherein the reservoir is adapted for releasable securement within a laboratory heating block.