Universal Specimen Rack Adapter for Analyzer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing specimen racks require multiple types and configurations to accommodate different specimen containers and their rotation capabilities, leading to increased costs and storage requirements for users of automatic analyzers and specimen pre-processing devices.
Innovation Solution
A universal specimen rack with interchangeable adapters that can accommodate various container sizes and rotation types, featuring a ring-shaped design with C-shaped side surfaces for barcode readability and adjustable weights for balanced center of gravity, allowing easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specimen racks are provided to accommodate different specimen container types and rotation requirements, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and storage area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal specimen rack body that can accommodate multiple types of specimen containers through interchangeable adapters. The rack body is designed with standardized adapter insertion sections that accept different adapters tailored to specific container types (e.g., micro specimen containers, standard specimen containers) and rotation requirements. This allows a single rack body to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen rack system is divided into two independent components: a universal rack body and multiple interchangeable adapters. The adapters are detachably mounted to the rack body, allowing users to segment the system according to specific needs. Each adapter is designed for a particular specimen container type or rotation capability, enabling flexible reconfiguration without replacing the entire rack.
2Reliability
If multiple specimen rack types are maintained for different applications, then the reliability and functionality for specific tasks are improved, but the cost and storage area increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding or storing multiple complete rack units for different applications, the patent allows users to discard the idea of owning multiple racks and recover resources by using a single universal rack with interchangeable adapters. The adapters can be stored compactly when not in use and quickly swapped depending on the specimen type, reducing the total quantity of rack units needed while maintaining functional reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single specimen rack design is used for all specimen container types, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the adaptability and versatility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the universal rack body and various specimen container types. The adapter interfaces with the rack body through a standardized connection mechanism while providing a customized fitting for specific container types (different diameters, heights, and rotation characteristics). This intermediary solution maintains low device complexity at the rack body level while achieving high adaptability through the intermediary adapters.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A specimen rack can be used for specimen containers irrespective of kinds thereof and irrespective of whether or not the specimen containers are rotated. An adapter is used for an automatic analyzer and a specimen pre-processing device and is adapted for a specimen rack capable of holding specimen containers. The adapter is provided with a specimen rack mounting section inserted and fixed to an adapter insertion sectionofaspecimenrackbody, aspecimencontainerpositioning section for holding the specimen containers, and a sleeve.