Continuous Test Piece Storage Container Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test piece storage container systems face inefficiencies in handling multiple samples, as they require operators to stop the measurement process to replace containers, leading to reduced throughput and increased costs due to the need for additional holding lids and complex mechanisms to prevent moisture exposure, which complicates the apparatus and increases its size.
Innovation Solution
A continuous processing apparatus that allows for the sequential introduction and processing of test piece storage containers with an openable lid, featuring an introduction transfer unit, lid opening unit, and discharge unit, enabling continuous operation without the need for additional holding lids inside the housing, as containers are transferred in one direction from an external introduction starting point to a discharge port, maintaining the lid sealed until necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If test piece storage containers are set in a housing using a turntable or bottle rack, then multiple containers can be stored and processed, but the measurement process must be stopped to replace containers, reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a conveyor belt system that enables continuous movement of test piece storage containers through the housing without stopping the measurement process. Containers are continuously fed from an introduction starting end, processed at measurement positions, and discharged at a discharge port, maintaining uninterrupted operation and maximizing throughput while handling multiple containers simultaneously
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional holding lids are provided inside the housing to prevent moisture exposure, then test piece protection is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex internal holding lid mechanism from the housing and instead integrates lid opening/closing functionality directly into the test piece storage container itself. The container is equipped with its own lid that can be opened and closed automatically during the measurement process, eliminating the need for separate holding lids inside the housing and simplifying the overall apparatus structure while maintaining moisture protection
3Productivity
If test piece storage containers are set in a housing, then processing capacity increases, but the operator must stop the measurement process to replace containers
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system enables continuous operation by automatically transporting test piece storage containers through the housing. As one container is being processed at the measurement position, the next container is already being positioned, eliminating idle time and ensuring uninterrupted measurement operations. The system maintains continuous workflow from container introduction through measurement to discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and preparation of test piece storage containers on the conveyor belt before they reach the measurement position. This advance preparation ensures that containers are ready for immediate measurement without delays, and the continuous conveyor system ensures that replacement containers are already in position before previous containers are fully processed
Data Source
AI summary
A test piece storage container continuous processing apparatus capable of continuously introducing a test piece storage container into a housing and suitably coping with numerous samples. The continuous processing apparatus X is applied to a measuring apparatus Y which removes a test piece P from a test piece storage container B equipped with an opening and closing lid B2 and performs predetermined measurement processing, and further includes an introduction transfer unit 1 for transferring the test piece storage container B introduced from the introduction starting end 11 set outside the housing Y1 of the measuring apparatus Y to a predetermined test piece take-out position in the housing Y1, a lid opening unit 2 for switching the opening and closing lid B2 from a closed state to an open state at the test piece take-out position, and a discharge unit 31 for discharging the test piece storage container B from which the test pieces P have been removed to a discharge port 31, wherein the introduction starting end is set to be accessible from the outside of the housing Y1, and the test piece storage container B is configured to be transferable in one direction from the introduction starting end 11 to the discharge port 31.