Spring-Biased Restraint Device for Microslide Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microslides and other lab observation devices in petri dishes are prone to unintended movement during procedures like electroporation or electrofusion, leading to sample loss and inconsistent processing due to inadequate restraint mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A removable restraint device with a spring bias component and housing that securely holds microslides in petri dishes, featuring adjustable arms and handles for easy engagement and release, ensuring stable positioning and adaptability to various device sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a microslide is unrestrained in a petri dish, then the device is easy to insert and remove, but the microslide is subject to unintended movements during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device employs a spring-biased mechanism that dynamically adapts to the microslide. The spring-loaded arms automatically engage with the microslide upon insertion and can be easily disengaged by applying gentle pressure, providing both secure retention during procedures and easy removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint device acts as an intermediary between the microslide and the petri dish wall. Instead of directly constraining the microslide against the rigid petri dish wall, the spring-biased arms provide a compliant intermediary mechanism that applies gentle, consistent retaining force while allowing easy release.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an acrylic plate is bonded to the petri dish sidewall to restrain the microslide, then the microslide is held in position, but the adhesion point may fail leading to sample loss
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device is segmented into multiple independent spring-biased arms that can independently engage with the microslide. This segmentation distributes the retaining force across multiple contact points rather than relying on a single adhesion point, improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased mechanism is self-regulating, automatically adjusting the retaining force based on the microslide's position and the petri dish's geometry. The springs provide consistent force without requiring external adjustment or relying on permanent adhesion, eliminating the reliability issue of bonded acrylic plates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a restraint device is designed to fit various petri dish sizes and microslide configurations, then the device is versatile and reusable, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device is designed with universal spring-biased arms that can accommodate various microslide sizes and petri dish configurations through a single device design. The spring mechanism's compliance allows it to adapt to different geometries without requiring multiple specialized components, achieving versatility with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable spring tension and arm positioning to adapt to different microslide and petri dish parameters. By changing the spring compression or arm angle, the same restraint device can effectively restrain different sized microslides in different sized petri dishes, providing versatility through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
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 provides a secure, consistent, and reusable method for holding microslides, reducing sample loss and maintaining positional integrity during procedures, while being adaptable to different petri dish sizes and microslide configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more arms of spring bias component are shaped to elastically deform in response to engagement with a wall of a petri dish so that the spring bias component generates a retainer force
Data Source
AI summary
Some systems, devices and methods detailed herein provide a restraint device for holding a microslide or another slide instrument in an operative position in a petri dish.