Modular Test Tube Supply Device With Slot Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test tube supplying devices face challenges in efficiently managing and labeling multiple types of test tubes, requiring manual classification and limited capacity for new types, which complicates the process of label printing and attachment.

Innovation Solution

A test tube supplying device with a controller, module mountable portion, and multiple slots allows for easy identification and discharge of specific test tubes, enabling automatic label printing and attachment without manual classification, and allows for detachable modules to accommodate new types without expanding the device's slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple test tubes of different types are mixed and accommodated in each test tube supply module, then the capacity of the device is increased, but it becomes difficult to print and attach labels corresponding to the test tubes because work for classifying the test tubes is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the test tube storage into separate supply modules, where each module is dedicated to a specific test tube type. This segmentation eliminates the need to mix different test tube types in the same module, thereby removing the classification work while maintaining high capacity through multiple specialized modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each test tube supply module is designed with local quality tailored to its specific test tube type, including customized accommodating spaces and identification information. This allows each module to efficiently handle its designated test tube type without interference from other types, simplifying the labeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If test tubes are accommodated in each test tube supply module according to their types, then the ease of label printing and attachment is improved, but the number of spaces where the test tube supply modules can be mounted is limited, making it difficult to accommodate new types of test tubes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test tube supplying device employs a universal mounting structure with standardized slots that can accommodate different types of test tube supply modules. This multi-functional design allows the same physical space to serve multiple purposes by swapping modules, thereby providing adaptability for new test tube types without expanding the physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the replacement of test tube supply modules in the slots. When new test tube types need to be accommodated, corresponding supply modules can be mounted in the available slots, making the system adaptable to changing requirements without permanent structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the device includes a fixed number of slots for mounting test tube supply modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to expand capacity for new test tube types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcapacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains low complexity by keeping the number of mounting slots fixed and simple, while achieving expanded capacity through the segmentation of test tube types into separate supply modules. Each module handles a specific type, allowing the system to manage diverse test tube collections without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4528285A1Test tube supplying device including test tube supply module and test tube supplying method using the same
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 ENERGIUM CO LTD
  • EP4528285A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4528285A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4528285A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A test tube supplying device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller, a module mountable portion electrically connected to the controller and having a plurality of slots, and a plurality of test tube supply modules each having an accommodating space for accommodating a test tube and detachably mounted in the slot. The plurality of test tube supply modules may each have test tube information determined according to the test tube accommodated in each test tube supply module, and the controller may be configured to recognize, through an electric signal, identification information of the slot in which the test tube supply module is mounted among the plurality of slots, and to identify test tube information for each slot, based on the identification information and the test tube information of the mounted test tube supply module.