Cartridge with Hook Mechanism for Analyzing Tool Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyzing tools are difficult to operate due to their small size, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity in both the cartridge and analyzer configurations, as well as enlargement of the analyzer to accommodate multiple tools.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge design that includes a recessed portion and a hook mechanism to hold and efficiently retrieve analyzing tools, allowing for miniaturization while maintaining user operability and simplifying the device configuration by eliminating the need for additional operation units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the analyzing tool is miniaturized to reduce material cost and production expense, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the operability deteriorates when the user attaches or detaches the analyzing tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple analyzing tools are nested within a single cartridge, with each tool contained in its own compartment. The cartridge itself becomes a portable, miniaturized unit that houses multiple tools, allowing users to carry and operate multiple analyzing tools without requiring the analyzer to be enlarged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Extent of automation

If an operation unit is added to the cartridge to move the analyzing tool from the cartridge to the analyzer, then the analyzing tool can be taken out automatically, but the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complicating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic tool retrievalVSAvoidcartridge configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analyzing tool is extracted from the cartridge in a simplified manner. The cartridge includes a take-out port and holding means that allow the tool to be easily removed by the user without requiring complex automated mechanisms. The holding means simply holds the tool in a standby position and releases it when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the analyzer is enlarged to accommodate a plurality of analyzing tools, then the tools can be stored in the analyzer, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage capacityVSAvoidanalyzer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple analyzing tools are nested within a single cartridge, which is then inserted into the analyzer. This allows the analyzer to accommodate multiple tools without being enlarged, as the tools are compacted into a portable cartridge that fits within the existing analyzer space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Extent of automation

If additional parts are added to enable automatic tool retrieval, then the tool can be moved from cartridge to analyzer automatically, but the manufacturing cost of the cartridge increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool retrieval functionVSAvoidcartridge manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is designed with holding means that automatically hold the analyzing tool in a standby position and release it when the tool is pulled out. This self-service mechanism requires no additional powered components or complex mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs while still providing automatic tool retrieval functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2088436B1Cartridge and analysis system
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ARKRAY INC
  • EP2088436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2088436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2088436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cartridge 1 including a plurality of analyzing tools 3 arranged lined in a plane direction and a case 2 for accommodating the plurality of analyzing tools 3, and being configured to take out the analyzing tool 3 one at a time from the case 2. The plurality of analyzing tools 3 further include engagement means 32, 33 for restricting the analyzing tools 3 adjacent to each other in the plane direction and allowing removable attachment in a thickness direction D1, D2 of the analyzing tool 3. The present invention further relates to an analyzer and an analyzing system for analyzing a sample using the cartridge 1.