Petri Dish Pack Segmented Sterile Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for opening containers of Petri dishes with nutrient medium are time-consuming, especially when a large number are required, which hampers laboratory productivity.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a detachable connecting means to hold Petri dishes together and an outer packaging for sterility, allowing for quick release and integration into laboratory automation systems, with options for strip material or elastic loop arrangements and easy opening of the packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Petri dishes are supplied in tubular bags or film sleeves that must be removed manually, then the Petri dishes can be individually packaged and protected, but the time required to remove and load each dish is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into two functional parts: an outer packaging for sterile transport and a connecting element for holding the stack. This allows the stack to be handled as one unit for loading while enabling quick separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is pre-configured to hold multiple Petri dishes together in a stack format, so that when the outer packaging is opened, the entire stack is already prepared for immediate loading into the magazine, eliminating the need to handle each dish individually.
2Productivity
If a detachable connecting element is used to hold the stack together, then the stack can be quickly released by cutting, but the connecting element must be designed to remain secure during handling and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element has different properties in different locations: it provides strong holding force during transport but can be easily cut or released at specific points. The band material or loop arrangement is designed with inherent weak points that allow quick release while maintaining security during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the connecting element changes from a secure, constrained state during transport to a released state when needed. The elastic loop arrangement can be stretched and deformed to facilitate release, while the band material can be cut at predetermined points to change its constraint properties.
3Productivity
If the outer packaging is designed to be easily opened, then the stack can be quickly accessed, but the packaging must still maintain sterility during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system separates the sterility function (outer packaging) from the handling function (connecting element). The outer packaging maintains sterility through sealed construction that can be opened quickly, while the connecting element handles the mechanical task of holding and releasing the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer packaging acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the sterile stack during transport but can be quickly removed or opened. It mediates between the need for sterility protection and the need for quick access without compromising either requirement.
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
Significantly reduces the time required to load laboratory automation devices with Petri dishes, maintaining sterility and facilitating efficient handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the loop arrangement made of an elastic, preferably rubber-elastic, material that encloses the stack in its longitudinal direction. Due to the elastic, preferably rubber-elastic, material properties, the loop arrangement can be easily placed around the stack, ensuring that the individual Petri dishes of the stack are pressed together under the influence of the elastic force.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pack (100) comprising: at least one stack (2) of Petri dishes (1) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), a connecting means (3) which holds together the stack (2) and is preferably detachable by way of a severing process for removing Petri dishes (1) from the stack (2), and an outer packaging (9) that surrounds the at least one stack (2) and can be opened for removing the at least one stack (2).