Incubator Shaker Units for Modular Storage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incubators face challenges in scaling with a larger number of storage racks while maintaining effective temperature and humidity control, and efficient shaking operations.
Innovation Solution
The incubator design includes multiple shaker units that can carry multiple storage racks, allowing for increased rack capacity with reduced shaker units, along with a robot system for automated access and separate shaking zones, enabling individual control of shaking parameters and easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shaker mechanism is used to shake multiple storage racks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control shaking individually for subsets of storage racks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator is divided into multiple independent shaker units, each capable of controlling shaking for specific storage racks. This segmentation allows individual control of shaking parameters for different subsets of storage racks while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of storage racks is increased to scale capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the difficulty of maintenance and access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator is divided into multiple independent shaker units, each capable of controlling shaking for specific storage racks. This segmentation allows individual control of shaking parameters for different subsets of storage racks while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If storage racks are arranged to maximize capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ease of access for loading and unloading sample containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator is divided into multiple independent shaker units, each capable of controlling shaking for specific storage racks. This segmentation allows individual control of shaking parameters for different subsets of storage racks while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
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
This design allows for efficient scaling of storage capacity, precise control over shaking operations, and easy maintenance, while maintaining optimal temperature and humidity conditions, enhancing the incubation process.
Implementation Method 1
a shaker drive (24a, 24b) and a support member (22a, 22b) connected to the shaker drive. The support member carries at least two of the storage racks (16a-16d)
Implementation Method 2
A climate control unit (12) connected to the chamber (6) to maintain a defined temperature in the chamber
Implementation Method 3
it is also adapted to maintain an elevated humidity in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An incubator for sample containers comprises a climate-controlled chamber with several storage racks located therein. Shaker units are provided for shaking the storage racks, each of them carrying several storage racks. A robot unit accesses the storage locations in the storage racks as well as an automated access door at the back of the chamber. A user door is located at the front of chamber. The shaker units and the storage racks are arranged on opposite sides of a vertical plane extending perpendicularly to the doors.