Petri Dish Rack With Flexible 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 not suitable for automated processes, as existing solutions are either manual or unreliable for automated handling of stacks.
Innovation Solution
A rack with cut-out holding portions and flexible tabs for secure positioning and gripping of petri-dishes, combined with a foldable stand for upright orientation and a blister packaging for secure transport, enabling fully or partially automated handling and reducing contamination risks.
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 automation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The rack serves as an intermediary device between automated handling equipment and petri-dishes. It provides a standardized interface with gripping features that enable robotic manipulators to transfer multiple petri-dishes without manual intervention, while the enclosed structure prevents contamination during transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rack divides the handling process into distinct segments: individual petri-dish slots with separate gripping features, allowing automated equipment to handle each dish independently while maintaining group organization. This segmentation enables precise automated control while reducing overall contamination risk through standardized procedures
2Productivity
If petri-dishes are handled in stacks or groups, then efficiency improves, but handling complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack merges multiple individual petri-dishes into a single integrated unit that can be handled as one assembly. The interconnected structure with shared base and individual slots allows automated equipment to manipulate the entire group simultaneously, improving efficiency while the standardized design reduces operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design provides universal compatibility with various automated handling equipment through standardized dimensions and gripping interfaces. It can accommodate different numbers and sizes of petri-dishes while maintaining the same basic handling protocol, reducing the need for equipment-specific procedures
3Manufacturing precision
If individual petri-dishes are handled separately, then precision in positioning is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack pre-positions multiple petri-dishes in their correct locations and orientations before handling begins. The structured slots and guiding features ensure proper positioning is established in advance, allowing automated equipment to transfer the entire assembly without needing to adjust each dish individually during the transfer process
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a rack (1) for holding a plurality of petri-dishes (P), comprising a plate-like main body (2) with a plurality of adjacent and spaced apart holding portions (3) each configured to receive and support, in a substantially horizontal orientation that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the plate-like main body (2), a petri-dish (P), wherein each holding portion (3) includes positioning features (4) for positioning the petri-dish (P) in the holding portion (3).