Rack Accommodation Device for Compact Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack accommodation systems require larger processing spaces and involve complex operations for sequential rack replacement, leading to inefficiencies in sample holder handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A rack accommodation device with a base structure and movement mechanisms that allow for the efficient stacking and circulation of rack trays in multiple rows and stages, enabling simple and frequent replacement of racks while reducing processing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a rack base is constructed to carry a large number of sample holders side by side, then the capacity to hold sample holders is improved, but the processing space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement of racks on a rack base to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where multiple rack trays are vertically positioned at different heights. This vertical stacking enables a large number of sample holders to be accommodated within a compact footprint, significantly reducing the horizontal processing space while maintaining high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rack trays are nested vertically within the rack accommodation device, with each tray holding multiple racks. This nested configuration allows racks to be stacked one above another in a space-efficient manner, maximizing the use of vertical space and reducing the overall device footprint compared to horizontal placement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If racks are arranged side by side on a rack base, then sample holders can be held upright in a matrix pattern, but sequential replacement of racks requires complicated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The rack accommodation device is segmented into multiple independent rack trays, each capable of being individually accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows operators to replace racks one tray at a time without disturbing the entire matrix arrangement, simplifying the replacement operation while maintaining the stable matrix pattern of sample holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack trays are designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable from the rack base, allowing flexible access to individual trays. This dynamic design enables simple sequential replacement operations where trays can be easily inserted and removed without complex mechanisms, improving ease of operation while preserving the stable matrix configuration during use.
3Quantity of substance
If a rack base is increased in size to carry more sample holders, then the capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the horizontal dimensions of the rack base to accommodate more sample holders, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple rack trays at different heights. This approach increases capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the vertical stacking uses gravity and simple support structures rather than complex horizontal expansion mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, a rack accommodation device (1) includes, a base (10) capable of supporting supporters (20) on a plurality of stages in a first direction and in a plurality of rows in a second direction across the first direction, the supporters (20) each being configured to hold a rack (50) capable of holding a plurality of upright sample holders each accommodating a sample, a first movement mechanism (30A, 30B) configured to move the supporters (20) in the first direction, and a second movement mechanism (40A, 40B) configured to move the supporters (20) in the second direction.