Antibiotic Disc Dispenser with Drawer-Free Vacuum Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for impregnated discs, such as those used in antibiotic sensitivity tests, are limited by complex drawer-like moving means that slow down the dispensing process and compromise reliability due to the need for complex mechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for distributing impregnated supports that involve positioning tubular containers on a dispenser, extracting supports from the upper end of the containers using an extractor, and transporting them to a culture plate via a collector, utilizing vacuum holders for efficient movement and collection, and allowing for rotational and translational movements to enhance speed and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are used to extract impregnated discs from the magazine, then the discs can be moved to the extraction position, but the dispensing speed is strongly limited and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drawer-like moving means from the system entirely. Instead of using drawers to move discs radially outward, the magazine is designed with lateral openings that allow discs to be directly extracted and dispensed, eliminating the intermediate drawer mechanism and significantly improving dispensing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical drawer system is replaced with a simpler opening-based extraction mechanism. The lateral openings in the magazine wall provide a direct path for disc extraction without requiring complex mechanical actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining extraction capability.
2Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are positioned internally in the magazine, then disc extraction is enabled, but the mechanical actuators become complex and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drawer-like moving means and internal mechanical actuators from the magazine structure. The extraction function is achieved through lateral openings that allow direct access to discs, eliminating the complex internal mechanical components that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having movable drawers inside the magazine that push discs outward, the patent inverts the approach by creating fixed openings in the lateral wall through which discs can be directly accessed and extracted, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining extraction functionality.
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanical actuators are used for drawer movement, then disc extraction is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical actuators entirely. The disc extraction function is achieved through the lateral openings in the magazine wall, which provide a simple mechanical path for disc removal without requiring complex driving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simpler, more robust mechanical design that prioritizes reliability over complex functionality. The lateral opening mechanism is inherently simpler and more reliable than drawer-based systems, even if it requires slightly different operational procedures.
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 method and device facilitate faster and more reliable extraction and transportation of impregnated supports, improving the efficiency and reliability of antibiotic sensitivity tests by simplifying the mechanical actuators and enhancing the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
a step of holding of the support at least at the end of the step of extraction, in substantial correspondence of the second position and/or during the step of collection and/or of transportation through the collector, said step of holding comprising the creation of a vacuum between the support and a striking surface by means of at least a first vacuum holder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics, includes a step of positioning of a plurality di tubular containers, each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser, Extraction of at least a first support from a first container, by means of is performed using an extractor, the step of extraction being performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container and comprising a movement of the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container, said first position and said second position lying substantially in correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser. Collection of the first support from the second position is performed using a collector. Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed.