Test Tube Extraction Assembly with Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of test tubes in laboratory settings is inefficient and hazardous due to the need for individual removal and disposal, wasting time and increasing risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for simultaneously extracting test tubes from aligned racks using an extraction assembly with longitudinal slots and a cam assembly, allowing for bulk removal and disposal, which includes a frame housing and handles for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual individual removal of test tubes is used, then safety precautions can be taken for each tube, but the process becomes tedious, time-consuming, and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test tubes (typically 5) into a single removal operation using a rack holder that engages with multiple tubes simultaneously. The extraction assembly moves as one unit, lifting and removing multiple tubes from the rack in a single coordinated motion, thereby maintaining safety while dramatically reducing time consumption compared to individual tube removal
Solution Approach 2:
The rack holder is designed with specific geometric features (retention protrusions, slot configurations) that segment the interaction with each test tube while maintaining unified control. The extraction assembly divides the removal task into discrete engagement points along the rack, allowing safe handling of multiple tubes through structured segmentation of the gripping mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If individual tube handling is performed, then contamination risk can be minimized, but the process is tedious and increases overall time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tube handling operations into a single coordinated extraction action. The extraction assembly is designed to grasp multiple tubes simultaneously at their upper portions, allowing them to be removed and disposed of together in one operation, thereby maintaining contamination prevention while increasing processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the upper portions of multiple test tubes from the rack slots simultaneously using the extraction assembly. The retention protrusions engage with the tubes' upper portions, allowing them to be taken out together as a group, which maintains safety while dramatically improving productivity compared to sequential removal
3Reliability
If racks are flipped over individually and repositioned, then proper loading onto analyzer tray is achieved, but the process adds significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the removal and repositioning operations into a single integrated action. The extraction assembly not only removes the tubes but also simultaneously repositions the empty racks in their correct orientation for analyzer loading, eliminating the need for separate flipping and repositioning steps while ensuring proper loading reliability
4Productivity
If bulk removal device is used, then time required for test tube removal is significantly reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction assembly is segmented into modular components: a rack holder portion for engaging the rack, an extraction arm for lifting tubes, and a release mechanism for disposing of tubes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs multiple operations: grasping multiple tubes simultaneously, lifting them from the rack, positioning them for disposal, and releasing them in one coordinated motion. This universality reduces the need for separate devices for each operation, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing 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
Significantly reduces the time required for test tube removal and disposal, enhancing efficiency and safety by enabling bulk handling and minimizing contact with residual sample material.
Implementation Method 1
a cam assembly operably attached to the extraction assembly for moving the extraction assembly between a first position and a raised position, the cam assembly including at least a first cam operably positioned proximate the first biasing surface and a lever operably attached to the first cam for providing rotary motion which translates to linear upward motion of the extraction assembly
Implementation Method 2
the frame housing including at least a first biasing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for extracting simultaneously a plurality of test tubes from one or more aligned racks is provided. The device is operably adapted to extract test tubes having a body with a first diameter and a top portion with a lip having a second larger diameter. The aligned racks generally form collectively a rectangular footprint and provide opposing longitudinal shoulders. A version of the device generally includes an extraction assembly including one or more longitudinal slots adapted to receive and slide over the top portion of each test tube forming the longitudinal row, each longitudinal slot comprising laterally spaced and longitudinally extending interior rims, the lateral distance between the rims being greater than the diameter of the body of the test tube and less than the diameter of the test tube top portion flared lip, thereby during operation the interior rims grasp each test tube in the respective longitudinal row; a frame housing adapted to couple with the one or more racks, the frame housing including at least a first biasing surface; and a cam assembly operably attached to the extraction assembly for moving the extraction assembly between a first position and a raised position, the cam assembly including at least a first cam operably positioned proximate the first biasing surface and a lever operably attached to the first cam for providing rotary motion which translates to linear upward motion of the extraction assembly while moving from the first position to the raised position.