Storage cartridge for laboratory objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cassettes for laboratory objects at low temperatures are not cost-effective, robust, or easy to produce, and fail to securely hold objects due to complex designs and multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A storage cassette made from a single piece of sheet metal with bent sections forming the rear and side walls, top and bottom parts, and bearing points, which are also used as retaining elements, simplifying production and increasing robustness while securely holding laboratory objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage cassettes are produced using complex designs with multiple parts, then the laboratory objects can be held securely, but the production cost increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional parts (rear wall, side walls, bearing points, and retaining elements) into a single integrated sheet metal component. The retaining elements are formed by bending the sheet metal itself rather than being separate parts, which simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the secure holding function through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes bending parameters and geometric configurations of the sheet metal to achieve both structural integrity and secure object holding. By optimizing the bend angles, wall heights, and retaining element geometries, the single-piece design achieves the reliability of multi-part constructions without the associated manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If storage cassettes are made from a single piece of sheet metal, then production becomes simpler and more cost-effective, but the robustness and security of holding objects may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates predetermined bending points in the form of elongated holes or slits that allow controlled deformation during assembly. These dynamic features enable the sheet metal to be bent into the required three-dimensional shape with proper retention forces, maintaining robustness while enabling simple single-piece manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single sheet metal material that is formed into a composite-like structure through bending and shaping. The resulting configuration combines different functional zones (walls, support points, retaining elements) within a unified material structure, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and structural reliability.
3Strength
If multiple separate parts are used to form the storage cassette, then the structure can be more robust, but the number of parts increases production cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural elements that would traditionally be separate parts (rear wall, side walls, bearing points, retaining elements) into a single integrated sheet metal component. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining structural robustness through the continuous material structure and optimized geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sheet metal component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through the rear and side walls, creates bearing points for holding objects, and forms retaining elements for secure placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining overall structural strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If predetermined bending points are added to facilitate precise bending, then manufacturing accuracy improves, but the sheet metal processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates predetermined bending points (elongated holes or slits) into the sheet metal before the bending process. These pre-prepared features guide the bending operation and ensure precise angular and positional accuracy. The bending points are integrated into the initial sheet metal layout, so the additional processing step is minimal and well-defined.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A storage facility (1) has a chamber (3). Several Dewar vessels (5) are arranged in the chamber (3) and an order-picking device (8) is arranged above them. The picking device has at least one cassette lift (60) with which storage cassettes (20) can be removed from the Dewar vessels (5) from above. This system is suitable for storing laboratory objects even at very low temperatures. Each storage cassette (20) is preferably made from a single piece of sheet metal. The piece of sheet metal is bent in such a way that it forms the side walls (30), the rear wall (32), the top part (34) and the bottom part (38) of the storage cassette (20), as well as angles (40, 42) for holding the laboratory objects.