Consumable Storage Assembly With Retractable Loading for Compact Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumable feeding systems in sample analyzers, such as immunoassay analyzers, require large storage spaces that are cumbersome to load and easily deform or damage sliding rails due to heavy loads, disrupting continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A storage mechanism with a movable loading assembly that partially protrudes from a fixed storage body, allowing for automated consumable conveyance and reducing external space occupation, featuring sliding or rotational movement to switch between loading and storage states, and incorporating conveyor belts for efficient consumable transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large storage space is provided for consumables, then the storage capacity is improved, but the device occupies more external space and becomes cumbersome to load
Solution Approach 1:
The loading assembly is nested within the storage body during storage state, with the loading conveyor belt housed inside the storage channel. When loading is needed, the loading assembly protrudes partially from the storage body. This nesting arrangement allows the system to provide both large storage capacity and compact external dimensions, as the loading mechanism does not permanently increase the external footprint of the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading assembly is designed to be movable relative to the storage body, transitioning between a retracted state (during storage) and a protruded state (during loading). This dynamic configuration allows the storage mechanism to optimize its external space occupation based on operational needs, reducing the occupied space when loading is not in progress while maintaining full storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If the loading assembly protrudes significantly from the storage channel, then the loading space is improved, but the sliding rail becomes overloaded and deforms or damages
Solution Approach 1:
The loading assembly is designed to protrude only partially from the storage channel during loading operations, rather than fully extending. This partial protrusion provides sufficient loading space for consumable insertion while minimizing the weight and dimensional load on the sliding rail, preventing overload and deformation. The principle of doing just enough (partial action) resolves the contradiction between loading accessibility and structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If manual loading of consumables is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operation efficiency decreases and continuous operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automated loading mechanism where the loading conveyor belt automatically conveys consumables from the loading assembly into the storage channel. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention, maintaining operational efficiency and enabling continuous operation of the sample analyzer without disrupting the workflow, while the automation is integrated in a way that does not excessively increase device complexity.
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 ensures efficient and continuous operation by minimizing external space usage, reducing wear on sliding components, and enhancing automation in consumable handling, thus maintaining system integrity and reducing manual labor.
Implementation Method 1
The loading conveyor belt conveys the loaded consumable to the storage conveyor belt
Data Source
AI summary
A storage mechanism, a consumable feeding system, and a sample analyzer. The storage mechanism includes: a storage assembly which includes a storage body, the storage body being provided with a storage channel; and a loading assembly which is movably disposed on the storage body. The storage mechanism has a first state and a second state. When the storage mechanism is in the first state, the loading assembly opens an inlet of the storage channel, the loading assembly at least partially protrudes from the storage channel, and the loading assembly can convey a loaded consumable into the storage channel. When the storage mechanism is in the second state, the loading assembly closes the inlet of the storage channel.