Modular Test Tube Rack for High-G Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard 96-well test tube racks and microtiter plates with fixed geometry and size are not adaptable for high-g centrifugation applications, limiting their use in scientific instrumentation that requires higher centrifugal forces for pellet formation and protein precipitate clearing.
Innovation Solution
A modular test tube rack and microtiter plate design with removably coupled sub-racks and sections, capable of withstanding accelerations greater than 10,000 g, utilizing materials like carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforced plastic, allowing for flexible configuration and use in various scientific instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard 96-well test tube racks and microtiter plates with fixed geometry are used, then compatibility with standard array pipetters is maintained, but adaptability for high-g centrifugation applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test tube rack is divided into multiple sub-racks that can be removably coupled together. Each sub-rack can be independently configured and attached to appropriate centrifuge rotors, enabling the system to adapt to different centrifugation requirements while maintaining compatibility with standard pipetting equipment when assembled in conventional configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removably coupled sub-racks are used to enable high-g centrifugation, then versatility for different scientific instrumentation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sub-racks are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be assembled in standard configurations for compatibility with array pipetters, or disassembled and reconfigured for use in various centrifuge rotor types (fixed-angle, swinging-bucket, microcentrifuges). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable coupling mechanism allows the rack configuration to be dynamically changed based on the specific application. Users can assemble or disassemble sub-racks as needed, transforming the device from a static fixed-geometry structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system that adapts to different instrumentation requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.