Impregnated Antibiotic Disc Distribution Using Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for impregnated antibiotic discs are limited by complex drawer-like moving means that slow down the dispensing process and compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for distributing impregnated supports that utilize an extractor to move supports between positions on a dispenser and a collector, employing vacuum holders to facilitate extraction and transportation directly from the upper ends of containers, allowing for faster and more reliable distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are used to extract impregnated discs from the magazine, then the discs can be moved to the extraction position, but the dispensing speed is strongly limited and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful drawer-like moving means from the system and replaces them with a direct extraction mechanism. The extractor (18) directly removes discs from the magazine (10) without requiring complex drawer movements, thereby eliminating the speed limitation while maintaining extraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical drawer-like system with a simpler extraction mechanism that uses a pusher (21) and spring system. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and eliminates the speed constraints imposed by the drawer mechanism's internal positioning requirements.
2Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are positioned substantially internal to the magazine, then disc movement is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unreliable drawer-like moving means from the internal structure of the magazine and replaces them with a simpler external extraction system. The extractor (18) with pusher (21) and spring (21) provides a more reliable mechanism with fewer moving parts that can fail.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the magazine actively move discs through complex internal drawers, the invention inverts the approach by having an external extractor actively remove discs from the magazine. This inversion simplifies the magazine structure and improves reliability by reducing internal mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanical actuators are used to operate drawer-like moving means, then disc extraction is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical actuators from the system and replaces them with a simpler spring-based pusher mechanism (21). This extraction of complexity maintains disc extraction capability while significantly reducing the number of moving parts and actuator requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring (21) automatically provides the necessary force for disc extraction without requiring complex mechanical actuators. The spring-based system is self-actuating, eliminating the need for additional motors, sensors, and control systems that would increase device complexity.
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
The method and device enhance the speed and efficiency of impregnated support distribution, reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability by eliminating the need for complex actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a step of holding of the support at the extraction position through a vacuum created by the vacuum holder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the distribution of supports includes positioning a plurality di tubular containers, each containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser. Extraction of at least a first support from a first container, is performed using an extractor, moving the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container. Collection of the first support from the second position by a collector is performed. Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed, the first support is held at least at the end of extraction, in substantial correspondence of the second position and/or during collection and/or of transportation through the collector, a vacuum is created between the first support and a striking surface using a vacuum holder.