Folding Test Tube Rack for Compact Incubator Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing test tubes at angled positions are bulky, difficult to clean, and cumbersome to handle, especially in limited spaces like incubators, due to their large size and complex alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a folding mechanism that allows easy adjustment of test tube angles by a small rotary movement, featuring support bars with recesses, a standing strip for axial security, and a folding mechanism with two positions for common angles (5° and 20°), ensuring stable support and easy angle selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If test tubes are stored at slanted angles (5° or 20°) using a rack with inclined connection plates, then the desired storage angles are achieved, but the rack becomes bulky and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates a folding mechanism that allows the connection plates to be dynamically adjusted between different angular positions. Instead of a fixed rigid structure, the connection plates can be folded to change the storage angle from vertical (90°) to slanted positions (5° or 20°), making the rack adaptable while maintaining ease of operation through simple folding movements
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into separable components including the base plate, support plates, and connection plates that can be independently positioned. The connection plates are segmented to allow folding at specific joints, enabling angle adjustment without moving the entire rack structure, thus improving handling ease while maintaining angle versatility
2Reliability
If the rack is designed with fixed inclined connection plates for angle storage, then angle positioning is reliable, but the rack size becomes too large for small incubators and autoclaves
Solution Approach 1:
The connection plates are designed with folding capability that allows them to be collapsed or adjusted to reduce the overall rack volume. When not in use or when space is limited, the connection plates can be folded flat against the base plate, reducing the rack's footprint while maintaining the ability to achieve precise angled positions when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows parts of the rack structure to be nested or folded into each other, reducing the overall volume. The connection plates can be folded beneath the base plate or against the support plates, creating a compact configuration that fits within small incubators and autoclaves while preserving the full angular positioning capability when deployed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rack has a large size with extended connection plates for angle storage, then angle selection is possible, but cleaning becomes difficult as the structure is too large for autoclaves and manual cleaning cannot reach all spots
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism allows the connection plates to be collapsed into a compact position that exposes all surfaces for easy cleaning. When folded, the structure presents minimal crevices and accessible surfaces that can be thoroughly cleaned in autoclaves or by manual wiping, while still maintaining the capability to extend to various angles for storage
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is designed with segmented, separable components that can be disassembled or folded to expose all cleaning surfaces. The connection plates are segmented at folding joints that allow complete separation or flattening, ensuring no hidden corners remain that would be difficult to clean, while preserving the angular positioning functionality when assembled
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rack structure is large with fixed inclined plates, then multiple angles can be stored, but changing the positioning angle requires complete realignment of the entire rack
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the connection plates to different angular positions without requiring realignment of the entire rack. Each connection plate can be independently folded to the desired angle (vertical, 5°, or 20°) by a simple rotational movement at the folding joint, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for angle changes
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is segmented into independent adjustable components, specifically the connection plates that can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows each plate to be adjusted without affecting the position of other parts of the rack, enabling quick angle changes by moving only the necessary component rather than realigning the entire structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for receiving and storing containers (12), in particular test tubes. The device has at least one support bar (22) with recesses (26), a front face (16) and a standing strip (20) arranged opposite the front face (16). One recess (26) in the support bar (22) is assigned to each container (12), the support bar being used as the first support. The standing strip (20) receives the base of the container (12) and axially secures the container (12). The invention is characterized in that a folding mechanism (40) is provided for at least two folding positions, which mechanism orients the device lying on a standing surface (14) into a first folding position at a first angle (.alpha.) to the standing surface (14) and a second folding position at a second angle (.beta.) to the standing surface (14).