Infant Incubator Cassette Tray Access From Multiple Sides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional incubators with tray loading/unloading ports only on the front side restrict access and require relocation of medical equipment, making it difficult to store or retrieve cassette trays during medical operations.
Innovation Solution
Providing tray loading/unloading ports on multiple sides (front, rear, left, and right) of the cassette tray accommodation space, with strut portions serving as both position holders and guides, allowing for easier insertion and retrieval of cassette trays without disrupting medical operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tray loading/unloading ports are provided only on the front side of the cassette tray accommodation space, then the structure is simple, but it becomes impossible to store or take out a cassette tray when a doctor or nurse performs operations in the front region
Solution Approach 1:
The single front loading/unloading port is segmented into multiple ports distributed on different sides (front, rear, left, right) of the cassette tray accommodation space. This segmentation allows simultaneous access from multiple directions, resolving the conflict between operational ease and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access points are extended from a single-dimensional front opening to a multi-dimensional distribution across four sides of the accommodation space. This spatial expansion enables healthcare providers to access cassette trays from any direction without disrupting ongoing medical operations in the front region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sophisticated medical apparatus exists in the region including the front side of the cassette tray accommodation space, then advanced medical treatment is enabled, but it is necessary to move the apparatus or change the position of the incubator to access the cassette tray
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing loading/unloading ports across multiple sides, the system allows cassette tray access from rear, left, or right sides when the front region is occupied by sophisticated medical apparatus. This segmentation of access points enables simultaneous operation of advanced medical equipment and cassette tray management without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple loading/unloading ports provide universal access capability from any direction, making the system adaptable to various operational scenarios. Whether the front region is occupied by medical apparatus or not, healthcare providers can always access cassette trays through an available port, enhancing overall system versatility.
3Reliability
If multiple strut portions serve as both position holders and guide portions for the cassette tray, then the structure remains simple, but reliable positioning and guidance of the cassette tray during insertion is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The strut portions are designed to perform dual functions: supporting the bed base structurally and guiding/positioning the cassette tray during insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate guidance mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable positioning through the inherent geometry and arrangement of the struts.
Data Source
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AI summary
There can be provided an incubator (11) which relatively readily stores a cassette tray (61) in a cassette tray accommodation space (62) or takes out the cassette tray (61) from the cassette tray accommodation space (62) through one of a plurality of tray loading/unloading ports (63a - 63c) even if a doctor or nurse performs an operation in a region including the outside of the cassette tray accommodation space (62) and its vicinity or even if a sophisticated article such as a sophisticated medical apparatus exists in the region including the outside of the cassette tray accommodation space (62) and its vicinity. In this incubator (11), the cassette tray accommodation space (62) includes at least two tray loading/unloading ports (63a - 63c) of a front tray loading/unloading port (63a), a rear tray loading/unloading port, a left tray loading/unloading port (63b), and a right tray loading/unloading port (63c).