Automated Analyzer Waste Bin Transport Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face limitations in waste capacity due to inefficient solid waste management, leading to premature waste bin filling and reduced walk-away time, as existing solutions do not effectively distribute waste within the bin or detect jammed items.
Innovation Solution
A transport mechanism with an extendable and flexible ramp is integrated into the automated analyzer, allowing solid waste to be pushed into the waste bin efficiently, and a tactile sensor system to detect and redistribute jammed waste, thereby increasing waste bin capacity and reducing the need for frequent emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid waste is simply accumulated in the waste bin without redistribution, then the waste bin fills up quickly, but the analyzer must be stopped frequently for waste removal
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed as a movable component that can dynamically extend into the waste bin to push waste items. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to actively redistribute waste rather than passively accumulating it, thereby extending the time between waste removal operations and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and redistributing jammed waste items within the waste bin using the movable ramp and sensor system. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to clear jams, reducing downtime and allowing continuous operation for extended periods
2Productivity
If a rigid transport mechanism is used to push waste into the bin, then waste can be moved efficiently, but jammed items cannot be detected or redistributed
Solution Approach 1:
Tactile sensors are integrated into the transport mechanism to provide real-time feedback about the presence and position of waste items. When the movable ramp encounters resistance or detects a jammed item through sensor feedback, the system can respond by redistributing the waste, thereby maintaining both transport efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp's position parameter is changed dynamically - it can extend into the bin to push waste and retract when jammed items are detected. This parameter change allows the mechanism to adapt to different waste configurations, maintaining efficient transport while detecting and handling jammed items
3Quantity of substance
If the waste bin capacity is increased, then fewer emptying operations are needed, but the transport mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transport mechanism is segmented into modular components: a movable ramp, tactile sensors, and a control system. This segmentation allows the system to manage larger waste bin capacities through coordinated action of simpler individual components rather than requiring a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The movable ramp acts as an intermediary between the waste items and the bin interior. It enables the transport mechanism to interact with waste in a controlled manner, pushing items deep into the bin to maximize capacity utilization without requiring direct complex interaction between the drive system and all waste items
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 solution enhances waste bin capacity, reduces stress on waste bags, minimizes tip dropout, and extends the walk-away time by ensuring better waste distribution and detection of jammed items, allowing continuous operation without premature waste bin emptying.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding mechanism further comprises at its end a ramp, wherein the ramp is extendable over and into the waste bin and at least partly flexible
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for dropping solid waste into a waste bin in an automated analyzer, and an automated analyzer with a transport mechanism for transporting solid waste to a waste bin.