Transparent Disposable Liners for Reservoir Volume Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable liquid sample or reagent reservoir liners made of opaque vacuum-formed plastic cannot stand vertically on a flat surface without support, and their design obstructs the view of liquid volume graduation marks on the reusable reservoir base when in use, posing challenges in laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A reusable reservoir base with an opaque basin and transparent disposable liners that follow the contour of the base, featuring liquid volume graduation marks on the sidewall visible through the liner, along with a pouring spout and securement mechanism, allowing for easy handling and stacking, and a dispenser system for efficient access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If disposable liners are made of opaque vacuum-formed plastic, then they provide structural support to stand vertically, but they obstruct the view of liquid volume graduation marks on the reusable reservoir base
Solution Approach 1:
The liner material is changed from opaque to transparent, fundamentally altering its optical properties. This allows the graduation marks on the reusable reservoir base to be clearly visible through the liner, solving the visibility problem while maintaining the liner's structural support function.
2Loss of information
If disposable liners are made of transparent plastic material, then the liquid volume graduation marks are visible through the liner, but the liners are unable to stand vertically on a flat surface without support
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable reservoir base serves as an intermediary support structure. The transparent liner, which cannot stand alone, is placed within the rigid reusable base that provides the necessary structural support. This allows the liner to maintain its transparency for visibility while the base provides the mechanical strength for vertical stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the liner basin closely follows the contour of the reusable base basin, then the liner integrates well with the base structure, but the liner cannot stand independently without the base
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent liner is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This allows it to be optimized for transparency and integration with the reusable base without needing to possess independent structural strength for standing, as it is always used within the context of the reusable base during its service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid sample or liquid reagent reservoir kit employs a reusable reservoir base and disposable liners made of a clear transparent plastic material. Graduation marks are located on the sidewall surface of the basin in the reusable reservoir base, and are calibrated to measure liquid volumes in a disposable liner placed within the reusable reservoir base. The transparency of the clear disposable liner allows the liquid volume graduation marks on the sidewall of the basin in the reusable base to be observed through the disposable liner. The disposable liners are configured so that the liners can also be used as a cover. The geometry of the disposable liners facilitates tight nesting of stacked liners to facilitate shipping as well as storage on the laboratory bench top.