Test-Tube Support Element with Spherical Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support elements for test-tubes in chains restrict movement, such as swinging or turning, requiring test-tubes to be detached for certain examinations, thereby losing the advantages of grouping.

Innovation Solution

A support element with a spherical joint connection allowing rotation about three orthogonal axes, enabling movement and identification of test-tubes within a chain, and facilitating chain length adjustment and durability through elastic tabs and a transponder for data storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If test-tubes are joined in chains using fixed support elements, then storage and transport efficiency is improved, but movement capability (swinging or turning over) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of test-tubes in chainVSAvoidmovement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support element incorporates a spherical joint connection that allows dynamic movement of test-tubes within the chain. The spherical joint enables rotation about three orthogonal axes, transforming the fixed chain structure into a dynamic system that can swing and turn over while maintaining chain integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is divided into separate components: a body portion, elastic tabs, and spherical joint connections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to enable both chain formation and movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If test-tubes are detached from chain for examination, then movement capability is achieved, but chain formation advantages are eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of test-tubes in chain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical joint connection enables the chain to move and be repositioned without detaching individual test-tubes. The dynamic connection allows the entire chain to be swung or turned over as a unit, maintaining group handling advantages while achieving necessary movements for examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If support elements are made rigid for structural resistance, then durability is improved, but movement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural resistanceVSAvoidmovement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support element separates structural support functions from movement functions. The body portion provides structural resistance and durability, while the spherical joint connection and elastic tabs provide movement flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical joint connection introduces dynamic capability to an otherwise rigid structure. It allows the support element to maintain structural integrity while enabling rotation and movement, effectively combining rigidity and flexibility in a unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If connection means are added to support elements, then chain formation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain formation capabilityVSAvoidconnection means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means are segmented into distinct spherical joints that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down the connection mechanism into standardized, easily produced components that can be quickly assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the movement of test-tubes within chains for examinations, maintains structural integrity, and allows for flexible chain lengths and data tracking, enhancing handling and examination processes.

Implementation Method 1

said connection means (10, 36) forming a spherical joint allowing the rotation of the supported test-tube about three orthogonal axes (x, y, z)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical joint:

Implementation Method 2

Around the circumference of the hole 21 there is a plurality of thin plates or tabs 22. Said tabs 22 are elastically yielding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7824615B2Support element for test-tubes and the like

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 EVEREX

AI summary

A support element for test-tubes and the like, including an annular body adapted to be fitted on a test-tube and provided with connection means among several support elements to allow the formation of a chain having additional support elements, wherein the connection means are a spherical joint.