Parallel Holding Plates for Nested Laboratory Vessel Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport and storage solutions for laboratory vessels are inefficient, leading to increased production costs, waste generation, and difficulty in accessing vessels due to close packing and material limitations, particularly with styrofoam carriers being non-resistant to chemicals and elevated temperatures, and plastic carriers being expensive and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A transport unit comprising two parallel holding plates with means for holding lidded vessels, allowing vessels from different groups to be nested and aligned oppositely, with frictional forces holding the unit together, and an outer packaging for protection, enabling a space-saving, cost-effective, and stable arrangement that reduces waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vessels are arranged very close together in carriers to save space, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility of vessels becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into two separate holding plates arranged parallel to each other, with vessels distributed across both plates. This segmentation allows vessels to be closely packed while maintaining accessibility through the modular plate structure that can be manually manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration with two parallel holding plates. This dimensional change enables closer spacing of vessels while preserving accessibility through the layered structure that can be accessed from multiple angles.
2Ease of manufacture
If styrofoam carriers are used for transport, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but chemical and temperature resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pure styrofoam with a composite structure consisting of two holding plates made from chemically and thermally resistant materials (such as plastic or metal) connected by a support structure. This composite approach maintains cost-effectiveness while significantly improving resistance to chemicals and elevated temperatures.
3Reliability
If plastic carriers are used for transport, then chemical and temperature resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into two separate holding plates that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective materials, then assembled with a support structure. This segmentation allows the use of more affordable materials while maintaining the necessary chemical and temperature resistance through strategic material placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding plates are designed to be reusable and recoverable, reducing the need for single-use plastic carriers. The modular design allows the plates to be cleaned, sterilized, and reused across multiple transport cycles, thereby reducing waste generation and long-term manufacturing costs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If vessels are held in holes of perforated plate at both ends, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the holding function into a simplified parallel plate structure where vessels are positioned between the plates rather than being held by complex perforated plate mechanisms. This merging of functions achieves stable vessel arrangement through the straightforward parallel plate configuration connected by a support structure.
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 allows for a compact, stable, and cost-effective transport of vessels while minimizing waste and improving accessibility, as vessels can be easily removed and the holding plates reused, enhancing usability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
with the nested arrangement of the two groups of lidded vessels between the lidded vessels of different groups frictional forces act, which hold the transport unit together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The unit has two parallel retaining plates (2) comprising an assembly of a holding unit for holding multiple cover vessels. The cover vessels include a tubular vessel and a closure element that projects in a radial and outward manner with respect to the vessel. Two groups (14.1, 14.2) of cover vessel parts (3.1) are held parallel to each other by holding units (11.2) of the retaining plates. One of the groups of the cover vessel parts of is aligned and reciprocally arranged opposite to one another to the other group of the cover vessel parts. An independent claim is also included for a working unit.