Self-Aligning Wedge Container for In Vitro Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for aligning wedge containers and anti-evaporation tubes in server rings for in vitro diagnostics face challenges with initial inaccurate manual loading and subsequent movement, leading to decreased system throughput and increased operator workflow due to inefficient reagent probe positioning.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of self-aligning fluid containers with alignment features on the outer surface and anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms on the inner surfaces, which apply forces to prevent movement beyond a threshold distance from initial positions, ensuring accurate and stable positioning of containers and tubes within server ring compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual loading of containers is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but alignment accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container includes self-aligning features such as alignment protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding features in the server ring compartment, enabling the container to self-align during the loading process without requiring precise manual positioning by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment features are pre-configured on the container and in the server ring compartment before loading, so that when the container is placed in the compartment, the alignment occurs automatically through the pre-designed geometric constraints rather than requiring post-loading adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual placement of evaporation tubes is required, then tube positioning flexibility is maintained, but operator workflow efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube positioning flexibilityVSAvoidoperator workflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaporation tube includes alignment features that automatically engage with corresponding features in the container, enabling the tube to self-align during placement without requiring the operator to manually adjust its position, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving workflow efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment features for the evaporation tube are integrated into the tube structure itself, combining the functions of evaporation prevention and alignment into a single component, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If containers are allowed to move from initial positions, then adaptability to disturbances is improved, but reagent probe positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to disturbancesVSAvoidreagent probe positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Friction constraints are designed into the container-server ring interface to preemptively counteract gravitational and vibrational forces that could cause misalignment, maintaining positioning accuracy without requiring active correction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates friction-based constraints that act as a cushion against unintended movement, absorbing the effects of gravitational settling and vibrations before they can cause significant misalignment between the container and reagent probe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If evaporation tubes are placed in containers, then reagent evaporation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent evaporationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment features for the evaporation tube are integrated directly into the tube structure, merging the functions of evaporation prevention and alignment into a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the evaporation protection function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaporation tube serves multiple functions: preventing reagent evaporation and providing self-alignment through integrated features, thereby reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2962118B1Self aligning wedge container with Anti-evaporation tube

Publication Date: 2020.04.15 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

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AI summary

A fluid container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids. The container body has a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The fluid container also includes one or more container alignment features disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall and configured to self-align the container body with a datum. The fluid container also includes one or more anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the container body and configured to self-align an anti- evaporation tube within the container body.