Magnetic Flask Clamp for Shaker Platforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory shaker clamps face issues such as flask spinning, high insertion forces, deformation, noise, and inconvenience in detachment and reconfiguration due to metal springs, and poor compatibility of plastic clamps with flask shapes.
Innovation Solution
A flask clamp using permanent magnets for attachment to the shaker platform, combined with a holding mechanism featuring contoured rollers and an elastomeric cover to prevent spinning and reduce insertion forces, allowing tool-free installation and easy cleaning, autoclaving, and configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal springs are used in the clamp, then the flask can be securely held, but the flask tends to spin within the clamp causing damage and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional metal spring mechanism with a magnetic field-based holding system. Permanent magnets embedded in the clamp base provide holding force through magnetic attraction to the metallic flask, eliminating the need for mechanical springs that cause spinning and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force application from mechanical contact (springs) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows for secure holding without the rotational forces that cause flask spinning.
2Strength
If metal springs are used in the clamp, then the flask can be held firmly, but extreme forces are required to insert or remove the flask
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic holding system replaces mechanical springs, allowing the flask to be attached and detached simply by overcoming the magnetic attraction through lifting motion, rather than requiring extreme forces to compress or expand spring mechanisms.
3Strength
If metal clamps are used, then the flask can be secured, but the metal springs deform and loosen after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces deformable metal springs with permanent magnets that maintain their magnetic field strength over time. The magnetic holding system does not undergo mechanical deformation or loosening with repeated use, ensuring stable performance.
4Strength
If clamps are screwed to the shaker platform, then the clamps can be securely attached, but it is time-consuming to detach and replace the clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces threaded mechanical attachment with magnetic attachment. The clamp base contains permanent magnets that magnetically attract to the metallic shaker platform, allowing for quick attachment and detachment without tools or threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning and self-holding capabilities. The clamp automatically attaches to the platform when brought near, and the magnetic force maintains secure attachment without requiring precise threading or additional fastening steps.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shaker platforms with different flask clamps are maintained, then different flask sizes can be accommodated, but storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal clamp system with adjustable components that can accommodate different flask sizes. The magnetic attachment mechanism and adjustable clamp arms allow a single clamp design to securely hold various flask dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized platforms.
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 solution provides secure, quiet, and efficient flask holding with reduced force requirements, preventing spinning and noise, and simplifies clamp reconfiguration and storage by eliminating the need for tools and multiple shaker platforms.
Implementation Method 1
One or more permanent magnets are attached and exposed below the base... The nickel-coated, rare earth magnets are preferably flat magnets, and the flat bottom surface of the magnets (as well as a magnetic base plate) are magnetically attracted to the shaker platform
Implementation Method 2
The nickel coating helps to protect the rare earth magnets from corrosion and chipping and also provides an improved surface for adhesion of the magnets to the clamp base
Implementation Method 3
The clamp also includes three resilient spring fingers that are connected to the base and extend upward to hold an Erlenmeyer flask
Implementation Method 4
The clamp also includes an elastomeric cover that is removable and replaceable... The elastomeric cover also preferably includes an overlapping lip that extends over the peripheral edge of the base, and in some places underneath the base
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for an Erlenmeyer flask or other laboratory containers or racks uses nickel-coated, rare earth magnets to secure the clamp to a platform for a laboratory shaker. The base of the clamp has downwardly extending positioning bosses that seat in holes or indentations on the shaker platform to prevent horizontal sliding of the clamp when the shaker is in use. A removable and replaceable, elastomeric cover for the base of the flask clamp provides cushioning and prevents spinning of the flask when the shaker is in use.