Guide Rail Docking With Mechanical Blocking Against Tool Derailment

The patent replaces the electronic control system (control program + drive motor) with a purely mechanical docking mechanism. The mechanical structure uses guide rails, docking members, and blocking members that physically guide and constrain the delivery tool, eliminating reliance on electronic control accuracy. This mechanical substitution ensures positioning accuracy through physical constraints rather than electronic control.

The patent introduces a blocking member as an intermediary mechanical element between the delivery tool and the guide rail. This blocking member physically prevents the delivery tool from moving beyond the safe position, serving as a mechanical safety intermediary that compensates for the lack of precise electronic control. The blocking member acts as a fail-safe mechanical mediator that ensures accurate docking regardless of control system performance.

The patent implements preliminary mechanical action by pre-positioning the blocking member in a location that prevents delivery tool derailment before docking occurs. The blocking member is mechanically positioned in advance to create a physical barrier, ensuring that even if electronic control fails, the delivery tool cannot move beyond the safe position. This preliminary mechanical preparation ensures safety independent of electronic control reliability.

The blocking member serves as a mechanical cushioning element that prevents harmful effects (derailment) before they can occur. By having this mechanical safety barrier in place beforehand, the system compensates for potential electronic control failures, ensuring that positioning errors cannot lead to safety incidents. This mechanical cushioning provides inherent safety without reducing productivity.

The patent merges the blocking function with the existing guide rail structure. The blocking member is integrated into the guide rail assembly rather than being a separate independent system. This merging approach allows the safety function to be added while minimizing overall structural complexity, as the blocking mechanism shares structural elements with the existing guide rail and docking assembly.

The blocking member serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety barrier to prevent derailment, a mechanical stop to define the docking position, and a guide element for the delivery tool. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved safety through a single integrated element.