Clinical Analyzer Reagent Card Tray Double-Level Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage and transport trays for clinical analysis cards are limited in capacity due to the need for separate grooves for each card, which restricts the number of cards that can be stored per unit area, leading to inefficiencies in handling and storage, especially in thermostatically controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
The tray design features two distinct levels of card arrangement, with supplementary grooves in an intermediate position allowing for double the number of cards per unit area by stacking cards vertically, while maintaining compatibility with automated handling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate grooves are provided for each card in the tray, then cards can be properly guided and separated, but the number of cards that can be stored per unit area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the card arrangement by creating two distinct levels within the tray. Cards are arranged in a first level and a second level at a different height, allowing the system to store more cards without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by enabling higher card density while maintaining proper guidance through level-specific grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is segmented into multiple functional zones: grooves for the first level, grooves for the second level, and abutment areas that support the second level cards. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose in guiding and supporting cards at different levels, enabling increased storage capacity while maintaining reliable card separation and guidance.
2Quantity of substance
If more cards are stored in the tray, then storage capacity increases, but the volume occupied in thermostatically controlled areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing vertical space through two distinct levels, the patent increases the number of cards that can be stored in the same horizontal footprint. This effectively doubles the storage capacity without proportionally increasing the volume occupied in thermostatically controlled areas, as the additional cards are stacked vertically rather than requiring additional horizontal space.
3Quantity of substance
If cards are arranged in two distinct levels, then the number of cards per unit area is doubled, but the height occupied by cards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the necessary increase in height as a trade-off for achieving doubled storage density per unit area. The vertical arrangement in two distinct levels is designed to fit within the constraints of the automated analysis machine's card handling mechanisms, making the height increase an acceptable solution to the primary problem of insufficient storage capacity.
4Strength
If abutment areas are added to support the second level cards, then structural support is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into distinct functional segments: grooves for guiding cards at each level and abutment areas for supporting the second level cards. This segmentation creates a modular structure where each element has a specific function, making the increased complexity manageable and purposeful. The abutment areas are strategically positioned to provide support only where needed, rather than requiring a completely redesigned tray structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises a support in the form of a tray or the like, which is at the top and provided inside with first grooves for guiding first cards arranged parallel to each other, forming a single level for the cards and is characterized in that it has sets of grooves interposed between the first grooves, allowing a second level of cards to be placed at a level higher than the first cards.