Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Modular Medical Vial Storage System: Advanced Lab Solution

Publication ID: 24-11857069_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Medical Vial Storage System: Advanced Lab Solution,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857069_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857069_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,069.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Apparatus and method for storing jars', provides a solution for storing jars in a compact and organized manner. However, the patent's design and functionality are limited to storing jars in a domestic setting. The present invention addresses the need for a similar storage solution in laboratory and clinical settings, where medical vials require specialized storage and handling.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original patent's design to store medical vials in laboratory and clinical settings. The inventive step is in the system's modular design, allowing for multiple units to be connected, and its integration with robotic arms and control systems for automated storage and retrieval.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in the design of the side retaining members, the use of different materials, or the integration of sensors and tracking systems to monitor medical vial storage and retrieval. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other industries, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing or biotechnology research.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular medical vial storage and retrieval system has significant commercial potential in the laboratory and clinical settings, particularly in industries such as medical research, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare. The system's ability to optimize storage and retrieval of medical vials could lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved patient care.

Field of Art

Laboratory and medical storage systems, with expertise in mechanical design, storage optimization, and modular equipment configuration for scientific and clinical environments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or laboratory equipment designer with 3-5 years of experience in designing storage solutions for scientific and medical settings, familiar with modular design principles and storage optimization techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that adapting the jar storage apparatus to medical vial storage represents a predictable variation involving simple substitution of storage objects and minor contextual modifications. The fundamental mechanical design principles remain consistent, with only incremental changes required to transform the storage system for medical applications. The core structural elements and motion mechanics are substantially preserved across both implementations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Base configured to connect to a surface via fasteners
PTD Variation
Base adapted to connect to laboratory surfaces, medical carts, and workstations
Obviousness Reasoning
Mounting surface adaptations represent a routine design modification within predictable engineering practice, involving known attachment techniques and surface compatibility considerations
Source Patent Element
Jar storage channel with rotational and translational insertion motions
PTD Variation
Medical vial storage channel using identical rotational and translational insertion mechanics
Obviousness Reasoning
Transferring established insertion mechanics between similarly shaped cylindrical objects constitutes a straightforward design translation with predictable functional results
Source Patent Element
Side and front retaining members creating storage channel
PTD Variation
Modular system allowing multiple storage units to interconnect
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design represents a standard engineering approach to expandable storage systems, involving known connection techniques and systematic design scalability
Source Patent Element
Perpendicular connections between base and side members
PTD Variation
Integration with robotic arms and automated control systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating standard robotic interfaces and control systems into existing mechanical structures represents a predictable technological enhancement within laboratory automation practices
Source Patent Element
Geometric configuration for storing cylindrical objects
PTD Variation
Specialized configuration for storing medical vials in clinical and laboratory settings
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting storage geometries for specific object types involves routine design optimization techniques familiar to skilled practitioners
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857069, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed medical vial storage system variations obvious and anticipated, as the disclosed technical modifications represent predictable extensions of the source patent's fundamental mechanical design principles, involving routine engineering adaptations and known substitution techniques.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,069
TitleApparatus and method for storing jars