Modular Analyzer Rack With Interchangeable Inserts for Tube Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racks for automated analyser systems are limited to supporting specific tube sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiencies in material usage, increased handling complexity, and inability to center tubes with different diameters, which affects pipetting processes and prevents capacitive liquid level detection.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack design with a main body and interchangeable inserts, allowing for adaptation to various tube diameters and shapes, made from electrically conductive materials to enable capacitive liquid level detection, and featuring RFID and barcode capabilities for enhanced automation and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rack is designed to support only one particular tube size and shape, then the centering of tubes is improved, but the adaptability to different tube diameters and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates adjustable positioning elements that can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different tube diameters. The positioning elements include adjustable clamps and support structures that can be moved along the rack to maintain proper tube centering regardless of tube size variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design allows for changing geometric parameters such as the distance between support points, the angle of positioning elements, and the diameter of opening through which tubes are inserted. These parameter adjustments enable the same rack to properly center tubes of different diameters and shapes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of racks are used to support different tube sizes and shapes, then the adaptability to various tube types is improved, but the device complexity and material requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed as a universal carrier that can accommodate multiple tube types through interchangeable inserts and adjustable positioning mechanisms. A single rack body can hold different tube sizes by changing the configuration of positioning elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized rack types.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into modular components including a main body, interchangeable inserts, and adjustable positioning elements. This segmentation allows different parts to be reconfigured or replaced to suit different tube types without replacing the entire rack structure.
3Strength
If retaining springs engage far down with the tube, then the tube holding strength is improved, but the tube centering accuracy deteriorates due to amplified angular tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The rack introduces an intermediary insertion opening through which tubes are guided into position before being engaged by the retaining springs. This opening acts as a mediator that pre-centers the tube, reducing the impact of angular tolerances in the spring engagement area while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is preliminarily centered and positioned through the insertion opening and guide structures before the retaining springs engage it. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the springs engage far down the tube for strong holding, the tube is already properly centered, minimizing the amplification of angular tolerances.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-conductive materials are used for the rack, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the capability for capacitive liquid level detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is constructed from electrically conductive materials such as metal or conductive plastics, combining the benefits of manufacturability with the electrical conductivity required for capacitive liquid level detection. This composite approach allows the rack to serve both structural and sensing functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for automated analyser systems and provides a rack for automated analyser systems, the rack comprising a main body having an extended front side and a corresponding extended reverse side as well as at least two side walls defining at least one opening that is accessible from the main body's upper side for taking up a container for a sample that is to be processed; an upper insert that is arranged onto an upper end of the main body, wherein the upper insert has openings with a predefined diameter defining the upper surface of the rack.