Removable Shelf Assembly With External Fluid Connections for Glassware Washers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory glassware washing machines face challenges in accommodating diverse sizes and shapes of glassware due to limitations in shelving systems, which restrict the insertion and removal of racks and lead to fluid drainage issues.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with fluid connections outside the washing chamber, allowing shelves to be mounted on side walls for easy insertion and removal from both sides, and using round tubing to reduce fluid retention, enhancing sealing and drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shelves are mounted on side walls with fluid connections outside the washing chamber, then ease of operation for insertion and removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into separate shelf sections that can be independently mounted on side walls or removed entirely. Each shelf section can be selectively positioned to accommodate different glassware sizes, enabling easy reconfiguration without moving the entire shelving structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Shelves are mounted on side walls rather than only on the top surface, utilizing the vertical dimension and lateral space. This allows racks to be accessed and removed from both sides of the washing chamber, improving operational ease while distributing the structural load.
2Loss of substance
If round tubing is used for fluid connections, then loss of substance (fluid retention) is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Round tubing is used instead of rectangular or angular conduits for fluid distribution. The circular cross-section minimizes fluid retention through better drainage characteristics and reduced dead zones, though it requires precise sealing interfaces at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection system transitions from rigid angular conduits to flexible round tubing, changing the geometric parameter of the fluid path. This allows the tubing to be positioned at optimal angles for drainage while maintaining sealed connections through flexible coupling mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelf sections are selectively removable, then adaptability for different glassware sizes is improved, but reliability of fluid sealing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. Shelf sections can be added or removed based on the washing load requirements, with sealing mechanisms that maintain fluid tightness regardless of the number or position of installed shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing intermediaries such as gaskets, seals, or flapper valves are introduced at the interfaces between removable shelf sections and the washing chamber. These intermediaries maintain fluid sealing when shelves are installed or removed, preventing leaks while allowing easy reconfiguration.
4Ease of repair
If fluid connections are positioned outside the washing chamber, then ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid connections are extracted from the interior of the washing chamber and positioned on the exterior. This allows maintenance personnel to access, inspect, and repair fluid lines without disassembling the washing chamber or removing racks, significantly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The external fluid connection system uses standardized, easily replaceable components such as quick-connect couplings and modular tubing sections. If a connection fails, the entire external fluid distribution assembly can be quickly replaced without repairing internal components, reducing maintenance complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washer, comprising a washing chamber defined by a pair of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, the washing chamber having an opened front face and an opened back face. A first shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber having at least one shelf section for receiving and supporting articles to be cleaned during a washing operation. A second shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber vertically above the first shelf. The second shelf assembly is mounted to the side walls having at least two shelf sections, at least one of the at least two shelf sections being selectively removable from the washing chamber so that additional space may be provided for larger articles on one side of the first shelf, and so that articles may be inserted into or removed from the washing chamber through the front face or back face of the washing chamber.