Container Storage Automation to Reduce Liquid Sample Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not consider the burden on workers related to the carry-in and carry-out of liquid quality control samples.

Innovation Solution

A container storage device with a storage unit and control unit that automates the selection and handling of containers, allowing for the carry-out of unusable containers and the carry-in of new ones, reducing the manual workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual carry-in and carry-out of liquid containers is performed, then workers have direct control over container handling, but the burden on workers increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker burdenVSAvoidmanual handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device automatically manages container carry-in and carry-out operations without requiring worker intervention. The control unit autonomously determines which containers to replace, coordinates the carry-out of old containers, and facilitates the carry-in of new containers, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual labor burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated control system that manages container operations. The control unit acts as an intelligent intermediary, substituting human decision-making and physical handling with automated control logic that monitors storage status and coordinates container replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If containers are manually managed, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer management efficiencyVSAvoidtime for carry-in and carry-out
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the storage unit status and proactively identifies containers that need to be replaced before they are completely depleted or expire. By performing preliminary assessment and coordination of container replacement, the system avoids last-minute manual interventions and optimizes the timing of carry-in and carry-out operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback from the storage unit about container status (liquid levels, expiration dates, usage patterns) and uses this information to dynamically adjust replacement schedules. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that container management operations are timed optimally, reducing unnecessary wait times and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4607202A1Container storage device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4607202A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4607202A1 patent drawingFigure 2B
  • EP4607202A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A container storage device capable of reducing a burden on a worker related to carry-in and carry-out of a liquid is provided. The container storage device includes a storage unit that stores containers each storing a liquid, and a control unit that controls the storage unit. When a new container is to be carried-in, the control unit performs a control such that a container, which is a carry-out candidate, is selected from the containers stored in the storage unit, the selected container is carried-out, and the new container is carried-in.