Rotatable Barrel Test Tube Labeling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling devices for test tubes in patient care are not compact or efficient for automatic labeling and tracking, lacking a reliable mechanism for accommodating various test tube sizes and providing secure, adjustable alignment and labeling functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable labeling device with a rotatable barrel and spacers defining channels for test tubes, integrated printing and spool assembly for label dispensing, and a processor-controlled touch screen for customizable labeling, along with adjustable collar for secure test tube retention and gravity-fed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable barrel with spacers defining channels is used to accommodate various test tube sizes, then adaptability to different test tube sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable barrel with spacers defining channels serves multiple functions: it accommodates test tubes of various sizes, provides alignment during labeling, and enables rotation for sequential processing. This multi-functional design improves adaptability while managing device complexity through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable barrel introduces dynamic movement to the labeling device, allowing the barrel to rotate and bring different test tubes into position under the printing head. This dynamic mechanism enables processing of multiple test tubes in sequence while maintaining a compact structure.
2Productivity
If an integrated printing head and spool assembly is used for automatic label dispensing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing head and spool assembly are integrated into a single unit that automatically dispenses labels onto test tubes. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate label application mechanisms, improving productivity while managing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assembly automatically feeds labels to the printing head, and the system self-regulates the label dispensing process. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby improving productivity with minimal additional complexity.
3Reliability
If a collar coupled to the barrel is used for secure test tube retention, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed as a separate component that can be coupled to the barrel, providing secure retention for test tubes in the channels. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to be independently optimized for reliability while keeping the overall device structure modular and manageable.
4Ease of operation
If gravity-fed operation is used for test tube movement through the chute, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed to utilize gravity for moving test tubes through the labeling device. By creating a gravity-fed path, the system eliminates the need for additional motors or actuators to move test tubes, improving ease of operation while requiring precise manufacturing to ensure smooth, obstruction-free flow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, automatic, and customizable labeling of test tubes of varying sizes with secure alignment and tracking capabilities, reducing device weight and footprint while facilitating easy operation and data management.
Implementation Method 1
A tape is coupled to the spool assembly passing adjacent to the printing head wherein indicia is printable on labels on the tape
Implementation Method 2
gravity-fed operation
Data Source
AI summary
A portable test tube labeling device provides labeling and tracking of test tubes used in patient care. The device includes a chute extending through a housing. A barrel extending across the chute is rotatable within the housing. Spacers are coupled to the barrel defining a plurality of channels extending along the barrel and receiving one of the test tubes as the barrel is rotated. A printing head and spool assembly are positioned in the housing. A tape is coupled to the spool assembly passing adjacent to the printing head wherein indicia is printable on labels on the tape. As the barrel is rotated, each label is extended from the tape and delivered onto the test tube in each channel. A collar is coupled to the barrel for retaining each of the test tubes in one of the channels between the collar and a base end of the barrel.