Storage system and method for storing material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for sample tube caps in automated analyzing systems face challenges in refilling the storage container without interrupting the supply of caps, leading to potential disruptions in the analysis process, and inefficient distribution of remaining caps within the container.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a movable drawer that allows refilling without decoupling from the transport device, featuring closable openings in the drawer's reservoir to release caps into the container, ensuring continuous supply and even distribution through a mechanism that opens and closes automatically based on the drawer's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the storage container is decoupled from the transport device for refilling, then the storage container can be refilled, but the transport of sample tube caps is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into a mobile drawer component and a stationary storage container component. The drawer can be independently removed and refilled without affecting the storage container's connection to the transport device, allowing refilling operations to occur separately from the transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile drawer acts as an intermediary between the external refilling source and the storage container. Material can be loaded into the drawer when removed, then transferred to the storage container when reinserted, enabling indirect refilling that doesn't require direct access to the storage container during transport operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drawer is removed from the storage system for refilling, then the reservoir can be refilled, but the drawer cannot remain coupled to the transport device
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed with dynamic positioning capability, able to transition between removed and inserted states. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between refilling mode (drawer removed) and continuous supply mode (drawer inserted), optimizing both refilling ease and operational continuity.
3Reliability
If sample tube caps are stored in a closed storage container, then the supply is steady, but refilling interrupts the transport process
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer allows preliminary loading of sample tube caps into the storage container before the container is fully integrated into the transport system. This preliminary action enables the transport device to begin operations with the container already partially filled, reducing the frequency and impact of future refilling interruptions.
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
Enables uninterrupted refilling and improved distribution of sample tube caps, maintaining a steady supply and preventing cap accumulation, thus ensuring continuous operation of the automated analyzing system.
Implementation Method 1
the drawer (20) comprises a reservoir (29) configured to receive material and to drop the material into the storage container (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A storage system (1) for storing material such as sample tube caps comprises a drawer (20) with a reservoir (29), the drawer (20) being movable between a first position and a second position. A storage container (10) is arranged below the reservoir (29) of the drawer (20) when the drawer (20) is arranged in the first position. A transport device (30) is configured to retrieve material from the storage container (10) and to transport the material out of the storage container (10). Therein, the reservoir (29) of the drawer (20) comprises a bottom with at least one closable opening (21).