Universal Container Carrier with Movable Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated specimen testing is hindered by the variety of container sizes used in laboratory environments, as existing solutions fail to efficiently accommodate and secure multiple sizes of specimen containers, disrupting the automated process.
Innovation Solution
A universal container carrier with a base plate and movable support frames, featuring a resilient biasing mechanism and rotatable conical roller members, which self-adjusts to securely hold containers of varying sizes by urging the support frames together and using pivoting linkages to accommodate different dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size container carrier is used, then the carrier structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate containers of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support frames are made movable relative to each other through pivoting linkages, allowing the carrier to dynamically adjust its internal dimensions. The support frames can pivot between multiple positions to accommodate different container sizes, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one that responds to varying container dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier changes its geometric parameters (width, height, depth) by pivoting the support frames between different positions. This allows the same carrier structure to accommodate containers of varying sizes by adjusting the spatial parameters of the carrier interior rather than requiring multiple fixed-size carriers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size carriers are used to accommodate different container sizes, then each carrier is simple in structure, but the overall system complexity increases and automation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A single carrier structure is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different container sizes through the pivoting support frames. This universal carrier eliminates the need for multiple specialized carriers, simplifying the automated testing system while maintaining the ability to handle various container dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting mechanism allows the carrier to adapt its configuration for different container sizes, enabling a single automated carrier to replace multiple fixed-size carriers. This maintains automated testing efficiency by providing a unified interface for the automated system while accommodating size variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support frames are made movable to accommodate different container sizes, then adaptability improves, but the stability and precision of container positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support frames are designed to be movable during the loading process to accommodate different container sizes, but once positioned, they provide stable support. The pivoting mechanism allows adjustment, and the frames maintain their position securely during transport and testing, providing both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is divided into modular components (base plate, support frames, container supports) that can be independently adjusted. The support frames can pivot to different positions, and the container supports can be positioned along the frames to provide stable, precise positioning for containers of various sizes within the adjusted configuration.
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 carrier automatically adjusts to container sizes, securely retains specimens, and allows for efficient insertion and removal, maintaining vertical stability and minimizing empty space, thus facilitating seamless automation of specimen testing without the need for multiple-sized carriers.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing mechanism that is coupled to the base plate and the at least one support frame, and is configured to urge the at least one support frame towards the other support frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A universal container carrier includes a base plate, and a pair of support frames coupled to the base plate. At least one of the support frames is configured to move relative to the other support frame. Each support frame comprises at least one container support configured to engage a portion of the side wall of a container disposed between the support frames The container carrier also includes a resilient biasing mechanism that is coupled to the base plate and the at least one support frame, and is configured to urge the at least one support frame towards the other support frame.