Sample Slide Storage Tray with Inclined Cells and RFID Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and managing sample slides are inefficient, leading to misplacement, damage, and difficulty in quick retrieval due to manual handling and limitations in RFID technology, as well as issues with storage space and slide retention in existing tray designs.
Innovation Solution
A tray design with inclined cells that allow partial overlap of slides, featuring elastic members for secure retention and easy insertion/extraction, and a cabinet for optimized storage capacity, along with an identification device that reads data from the exposed labels for precise slide location and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If slides are stacked in alpha-numeric order in stacks of several hundreds, then storage capacity is improved, but identification of specific slides becomes difficult since identifying information is hidden by other stacked slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical storage with slides positioned orthogonally to the drawer plane. This dimensional change allows identification labels to face upward and remain visible, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and identification visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID chips as an intermediary identification mechanism. These chips enable remote reading of slide information without requiring visual access to labels, solving the problem of hidden identification information while maintaining high-density storage.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and management of sample slides is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but errors and misplacement occur leading to loss of time and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic identification and tracking of slides through RFID technology. The drawer-mounted reader automatically reads RFID chips when slides are placed or removed, eliminating manual recording errors and improving reliability without sacrificing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RFID reader provides real-time information about slide presence and identification. This feedback loop prevents misplacement and errors by immediately detecting and recording slide status changes.
3Extent of automation
If RFID technology is used for identification, then automation and remote reading capability are improved, but transmission field may communicate with multiple adjacent chips causing identification errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from visual label reading to RFID chip reading. By separating these functions, the system achieves automation while improving accuracy, as RFID chips provide unique digital identification不受 visual interference or adjacent slide interference.
4Loss of information
If slides are stored vertically in drawers with individual sleeves, then identification visibility is improved, but storage space efficiency decreases compared to horizontal stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions slides vertically (orthogonally to the drawer plane) rather than horizontally stacked. This dimensional reorientation achieves both goals: labels face upward for visibility while the compact vertical arrangement maintains space efficiency.
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
The solution enables efficient storage of a larger number of slides in a smaller area, ensures visible identification data, and provides secure and easy access while minimizing damage, improving the overall management and retrieval of sample slides.
Implementation Method 1
each drawer is mounted to slide through an opening on a support frame equipped on top with a RFID type radio reader (for 'Radio Frequency Identification') to read remotely the information recorded within chips contained in the adhesive labels affixed to each of the slides
Implementation Method 2
Each cell comprises at least one elastic member pushing against the slide to retain it securely in the cell
Data Source
AI summary
The tray for the storage of sample slides includes a plate with a plurality of cells. The plate has at least a bottom and two opposing side walls, having an entrance opening and being at least partly closed by a transverse wall. Each cell includes at least two protrusions protruding respectively at each of the side walls and forming adjacent sliding elements to guide the edges of a slide upon introduction into a cell. The bottom of each cell is inclined at an angle α relative to the plane of the tray, while the length of each slide is less than the length of the slide that is intended to be stored in a cell. The invention also relates to a cabinet for storing such a tray and a device for identifying the slides stored in such a tray.