Modular Rack Receptacles for Mixed Container Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack systems are limited in their ability to accommodate a variety of container types and numbers, requiring multiple racks for different containers and lacking flexibility in configuration and customization.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack system comprising interchangeable rack modules with engagement features that allow for removably attaching multiple modules, enabling customization of receptacle configuration and length, and accommodating containers of different sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rack is designed to hold a specific type of container, then the container support and orientation is optimized, but the rack cannot accommodate other container types
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into separate modular components: a base rack and interchangeable receptacle modules. Each receptacle module is designed with specific geometries to accommodate different container types, allowing the rack to be segmented and reconfigured rather than designed as a monolithic structure for a single container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The base rack is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate multiple types of receptacle modules. The standardized interface allows a single rack structure to perform multiple functions by accepting different receptacle modules, eliminating the need for separate racks for different container types.
2Productivity
If multiple separate racks are used for different container types, then each rack can be optimized for its specific container, but laboratory efficiency decreases due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system employs a universal base rack design with standardized engagement features that can interface with various receptacle modules. This universal interface enables a single rack structure to accommodate multiple container types through module interchangeability, improving laboratory efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple specialized racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing users to attach, detach, and exchange receptacle modules based on current experimental needs. This dynamic adaptability enables the same physical rack to serve different functions and accommodate different container types without requiring physical replacement of the entire rack structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rack holds a preformed array of containers, then the container arrangement is fixed, but the rack cannot be easily reconfigured for different container numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system separates the container-holding function into discrete receptacle modules that can be independently attached or detached from the base rack. This segmentation allows the number of active receptacles to be easily adjusted by simply adding or removing modules, providing flexibility in accommodating different container numbers without complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle modules are pre-designed with standardized engagement features that align with the base rack interface. This preliminary standardization of the connection mechanism ensures that modules can be quickly and easily attached or detached without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures, making reconfiguration simple and efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects include a rack module comprising a side including one or more receptacles. A receptacle may include a contact surface shaped to receive a container. A rack module may include one or more engagement features operable to removably attach the rack module to another rack module having complementary engagement features. The other rack module may also have a side including one or more receptacles, and the attached rack modules may commonly orient their respective receptacles such that the containers received therein may be used.