Petri Dish Rack With Elastic Tabs For Automated Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of petri-dishes during microbiological air sampling poses a high risk of contamination and is inefficient, especially when handling multiple dishes, as existing technologies are not suitable for automated handling and secure transfer in clean or ultra-clean environments.
Innovation Solution
A rack with elastic tabs and a cradle-like structure for secure holding and positioning of petri-dishes, allowing for automated handling and transfer, combined with a blister packaging for sterile transport, reduces the risk of contamination and enables fully or partially automated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of petri-dishes is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but contamination risk increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack serves as an intermediary device between automated handling equipment and petri-dishes. It provides a standardized interface that enables automated grippers to securely hold and transfer multiple petri-dishes as a unit, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple petri-dishes are merged into a single handleable unit by stacking them within the rack structure. This combination allows automated equipment to manipulate the entire stack as one object, improving both productivity and contamination control while reducing the complexity of handling individual dishes separately.
2Productivity
If individual petri-dishes are handled separately, then precise positioning is possible, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple petri-dishes are combined into a single stackable unit within the rack, allowing automated equipment to transfer multiple dishes in one operation. This merging dramatically increases handling speed and reduces the time required to move batches of petri-dishes between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is segmented into multiple holding positions that can accommodate individual petri-dishes or stacks of dishes. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where dishes can be loaded individually into slots but then handled collectively as a unified structure, optimizing both loading efficiency and transfer speed.
3Productivity
If automated handling equipment is used without specialized racks, then productivity increases, but the ability to securely grip and hold petri-dishes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack acts as an intermediary that translates the gripping capability of automated equipment into secure handling of petri-dishes. The standardized exterior dimensions and surface features of the rack provide optimal gripping points for automated grippers, while the interior structure securely holds the petri-dishes, bridging the gap between automation and secure handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design provides universal compatibility with standardized automated handling equipment while simultaneously serving multiple functions: secure gripping interface, petri-dish storage, stackable configuration, and contamination protection. This multi-functionality enables productivity gains through automation without compromising gripping capability.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple petri-dishes are stacked without a rack structure, then space utilization improves, but security against displacement and contamination worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple discrete holding slots or positions, each designed to securely accommodate individual petri-dishes or small stacks. This segmentation prevents dishes from shifting or becoming displaced during handling while maintaining efficient vertical stacking to maximize space utilization in the limited volume of the rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates flexible or compliant elements such as elastic tabs or cushioning features that adapt to the petri-dishes, securing them in place while allowing for thermal expansion, contraction, or minor dimensional variations. These flexible elements prevent displacement during automated handling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a rack (1) for holding a plurality of petri-dishes (P), comprising a main body (2) with a plurality of adjacent and spaced apart holding portions (3) each configured to receive and support, in a substantially parallel orientation that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (X) of the rack (1), a petri-dish (P), wherein each holding portion (3) includes positioning features (4) for positioning the petri-dish (P) in the holding portion (3) and allowing insertion of the petri-dish (P) from a lateral side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X). The holding portions (3) and positioning features (4) respectively comprise a pair of separation elements (11) spaced apart from each other to define therebetween a slot (12) configured to receive the petri-dish (P).