Drawer Insertion Bias Mechanism for Stable Electrical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing medications in hospitals face challenges in providing reliable vertical and horizontal stability during the insertion of lidded containers into Automatic Dispensing Machines (ADMs), which can lead to unreliable electrical connections due to vertical motions induced by shock and moments.
Innovation Solution
A self-guiding insertion and bias mechanism is implemented using a lidded container with shaped surfaces and horizontal alignment elements that engage with a receiving tray's redirection feature, converting downward vertical motion into lateral motion to securely align and restrain the container, ensuring stable electrical connections without additional lateral space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple vertical mating connector is used to achieve electrical connection between container and tray, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of electrical connection deteriorates due to vertical motions induced by shock and moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces horizontal alignment features that convert vertical insertion motion into horizontal alignment motion. The alignment features include a alignment element on the container that engages with an alignment feature on the tray, creating a path of motion that simultaneously achieves vertical insertion and horizontal alignment, thereby improving connection reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If additional active latching scheme is added to restrain connector against vertical motions, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive alignment features that automatically guide the container into proper horizontal alignment during vertical insertion. The alignment elements and features work together to restrain vertical motions and maintain connector stability without requiring active latching mechanisms, motors, or sensors, thereby improving reliability while keeping the system simple and passive.
3Reliability
If the container is guided during vertical insertion using passive features, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment guidance features with the existing connector structure. The horizontal alignment features are integrated into the container housing and tray assembly, merging the guidance function with the structural components rather than adding separate guidance mechanisms. This approach improves connection reliability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A drawer (210) assembly is disclosed that includes a removable container (10) and a receiving tray (40, 42). The container (10) has a housing (15) having at least one shaped surface (70) and at least one horizontal alignment element coupled to and projecting from the housing (15). The receiving tray (40, 42) has a base having a redirection feature (62) and at least one horizontal alignment hole in the base that is configured to accept the horizontal alignment element. The container (10) and receiving tray (40, 42) are configured such that downward motion of the container (10) with the shaped surface (70) of the housing (15) in contact with the redirection feature (62) of the base induces a lateral motion of the container (10) according to the engagement of the shaped surface (70) and the redirection feature (62) that causes the horizontal alignment element to slide into the horizontal alignment hole.