Automated Analysis Device Safety Cover Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analysis devices face challenges in securely closing the safety cover in a locked state due to deformation and clearance issues, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and difficulties in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analysis device incorporates a locking mechanism with a protrusion portion and a locking lever that rotates to engage with the protrusion, driven by a solenoid and gear system, ensuring secure closure of the safety cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support C12 is provided inside the body cover C1 at the front portion of the left lateral side, then the body cover can be locked, but the body cover deforms and deflects causing clearance when force is applied in the opening direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the locking support position from the lateral side to the front center position of the body cover. This asymmetric relocation creates a more favorable structural configuration where the locking support C12 is positioned at the front portion of the center line, improving both locking reliability and preventing deformation when opening force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the locking support from a lateral position to a front-center position, effectively changing the spatial dimension and location of the locking mechanism. This dimensional change allows the locking support to better distribute forces and prevent deflection while maintaining secure locking.
2Reliability
If the L-shaped engagement portion C22a is provided inside the body cover C1, then the lock mechanism functions, but the protruding portion is caught by cleaning tools and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking support C12 from the lateral side position and relocates it to the front center position of the body cover. This extraction and relocation eliminates the protruding L-shaped engagement portion that was inside the body cover, removing the obstacle that interfered with cleaning operations while preserving the locking function.
3Volume of moving object
If the flange C12a and body cover C1 are provided in proximity, then the device size is reduced, but the lock receiving portion cannot be provided in a smaller size and smoother shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design by positioning the locking support C12 at the front center rather than laterally, and configuring it with a substantially T-shaped cross-section. This asymmetric configuration allows the lock receiving portion to be both compact and smooth, eliminating protrusions while maintaining effective locking within a reduced device footprint.
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
This configuration effectively prevents the safety cover from being opened inadvertently, maintains a smooth and reduced protrusion design, and facilitates easy cleaning by ensuring the locking lever is flush with the work surface in the unlocked state.
Implementation Method 1
driven by a solenoid and gear system
Implementation Method 2
driven by a solenoid and gear system
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
This automated analysis device is provided with a casing (21) accommodating an analysis device, a work surface (22) which is an upper surface of the casing (21), a cover (4) which covers an upper part of the work surface (22) and is axially supported with freedom to pivot, between a closed position and an upwardly-open open position, about a support shaft (28) provided at one side of the casing (21), and a closing means (26) capable of inhibiting opening of the cover (4) in the closed position, wherein the closing means (26) is provided with a lock accepting means (25), which is a projecting portion that protrudes from a front surface of the cover (4) toward the rear, a lock lever (35) which is axially supported with freedom to pivot about a pivoting support shaft, and which pivots from the work surface (22) in a direction approaching the lock accepting means (25) to engage with the lock accepting means (25), thereby inhibiting opening of the cover (4), and a driving means (53) for driving the lock lever (35). A safety cover can thus be locked securely.