Library Device Accessor With Picker-Mounted Cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing library devices face challenges in maintaining high reliability due to dust accumulation in vent holes and filters, which can lead to clogging and increased internal temperatures, and existing solutions do not effectively address the cleaning of these areas.
Innovation Solution
An accessor with a picker and a cleaner mounted on its surface, capable of moving in intersecting directions, is integrated into the library device to convey recording media and clean dust from vent holes and filters without the need for additional dedicated cleaning mechanisms, utilizing a brush or non-woven fabric cleaner to effectively remove dust and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated cleaning mechanism is added to clean vent holes and filters, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The picker mechanism is designed to perform both its primary function of conveying recording media and a secondary function of cleaning vent holes and filters. The cleaner is mounted on the picker, allowing it to be transported to different cleaning positions during the picker's movement, thus eliminating the need for a separate dedicated cleaning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged with the picker mechanism by mounting the cleaner on the picker. This combination allows the cleaning operation to be integrated into the existing picker movement cycle, sharing the same drive mechanism and control system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a separate dedicated cleaning mechanism is provided, then cleaning performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The picker is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both media conveyance and cleaning operations. By making the picker universal, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms, reducing the total number of components and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing picker mechanism to perform the cleaning function, rather than requiring an external or separate cleaning system. This self-service approach allows the library device to clean itself using resources already available in the system, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If the cleaner is mounted on the picker, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning coverage may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner is mounted on the movable picker, which translates the cleaner's position dynamically throughout the picker's movement range. This dynamic positioning allows the cleaner to reach multiple cleaning positions (including vent holes and filters at different locations) during a single operation cycle, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage despite the cleaner's compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The picker's movement in the first direction (along the optical path) provides an additional spatial dimension for the cleaner's reach. By utilizing this dimensional movement, the cleaner can access cleaning positions that would otherwise require a more complex stationary cleaning mechanism, ensuring adequate coverage without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessor includes a main body unit configured to convey a recording medium in a first direction, the main body unit being attached to a housing of a library device to be movable in the first direction, a picker configured to convey the recording medium in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, the picker being mounted on the main body unit to be movable in the second direction, and a cleaner mounted on a surface of the picker along the second direction.