Ball Packaging Device for Analysis Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for packaging balls for reaction vessels in analysis appliances lack a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method to selectively insert or exclude balls based on the specific test requirements, leading to potential misuse of balls that can distort analysis results.

Innovation Solution

A ball packaging device with a body and a closing member that can be moved between open and closed positions, featuring latching mechanisms and guide means to ensure single-use operation, allowing balls to be automatically dispensed into reaction vessels only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ball packaging device allows selective ball insertion based on test requirements, then the reliability of analysis results is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for opening/closing mechanisms and latching means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of test resultsVSAvoidstructure of packaging device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is divided into a body portion and a closing member that can be separated. The body contains the balls and essential identification features, while the closing member provides the opening/closing function. This segmentation allows the device to achieve selective ball insertion capability without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes pre-formed opening means and closing means that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. The body is pre-equipped with openings for ball dispensing, and the closing member is pre-designed with latching means. These preliminary actions enable the selective insertion function to work reliably without adding complex operational mechanisms during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the device is designed for single-use only with latching means, then the reliability of test results is improved by preventing misuse, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the device cannot be recharged or reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of ball misuseVSAvoidreusability of device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is designed as a disposable single-use component. The body and closing member are constructed from inexpensive materials that can be easily manufactured and discarded. After use, the entire device is discarded rather than recharged, which simplifies the operation by eliminating complex recharging mechanisms while ensuring reliability through single-use prevention of misuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a closed state (preventing ball access) to an open state (allowing ball dispensing) through the action of the closing member. This dynamic opening/closing mechanism, controlled by simple latching means, enables the device to maintain security during storage and transport while allowing easy ball insertion during use, then becomes permanently open after use to indicate single-use status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the closing member can be moved between open and closed positions, then the productivity of ball insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the movement mechanism and guide means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of ball dispensingVSAvoidmovement control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member is designed to move between open and closed positions through its own structural features working with the body's opening means. The latching means and guide means are integrated into the basic structure of the closing member and body, allowing the mechanism to function automatically without requiring external complex control systems. This self-service approach improves productivity while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The opening means in the body and the corresponding closing means on the closing member are designed with asymmetric geometries that naturally guide the closing member's movement. The guide means utilize asymmetric shaping to ensure proper alignment and directional movement, enabling efficient ball dispensing through simple geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical guides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11565265B2Device for packaging balls for reaction vessels for an analysis appliance

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 DIAGNOSTICA STAGO SA

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for packaging balls for reaction vessels for an analysis appliance, including: a body including at least one opening and used to house balls, a closing member, that can be moved relative to the body between a closed position in which the closing member closes the opening of the body, and an open position in which the opening of the body is open so as to allow the balls to be dispensed from the body.