Antibiotic Support Dispenser Extraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for antibiotic sensitivity tests are limited by the complexity and mechanical actuators required for the drawer-like moving means, which slow down the extraction process and compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for distributing impregnated supports that involves positioning tubular containers on a dispenser, extracting supports using an extractor, collecting them with a collector, and transporting them to a culture plate, enhancing speed and reliability by simplifying the extraction mechanism.
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 extraction speed is strongly limited and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using drawer-like moving means that move discs from an internal position to an extraction position, the invention inverts the approach by having the extractor move to the magazine to directly access and remove discs from the lateral wall openings. This eliminates the need for complex internal moving mechanisms and significantly increases extraction speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the extraction function from the magazine structure itself and places it in a separate, mobile extractor unit. This separation allows the extractor to directly access discs at the magazine's lateral wall openings without requiring the magazine to have complex internal moving parts, thereby simplifying the overall system and increasing productivity.
2Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are positioned substantially internal to the magazine, then discs can be moved radially outward, but the mechanical actuators become complex and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the movement mechanism from the internal structure of the magazine and relocates it to an external extractor unit. This eliminates the need for complex internal actuators within the magazine, reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability while maintaining the capability to move discs to the extraction position.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor acts as an intermediary between the magazine and the deposition means. It accesses discs directly at the lateral wall openings and transfers them to the deposition means, eliminating the need for complex internal moving mechanisms within the magazine while ensuring reliable disc transfer.
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanical actuators are used for drawer-like moving means, then discs can be moved from internal to external positions, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the disc movement function from the magazine's internal structure and places it in a separate extractor unit. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators integrated into the magazine, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to move discs from the magazine to the deposition position.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor is designed to directly access the lateral wall openings of the magazine and remove discs without requiring the magazine to provide complex moving mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system by making the extractor independently capable of performing the disc transfer function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics including positioning a plurality of 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, through an extractor, the extraction being performed in correspondence of an end of the first container and comprising a movement of the first support between a first position inside the first container and a second position extracted from the first container wherein the first support is positioned on an auxiliary dispenser different from the dispenser and configured for housing a plurality of supports in a respective plurality of collection areas. Collection of the first support from the second position using a collector is performed. Transportation of the first support from the auxiliary dispenser towards a culture plate by the collector is performed.