Looped Specimen Rack Conveying for Reduced Storage Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for specimens, such as blood, require significant vertical space due to the need for transfer arms to move horizontally across multiple floors, leading to increased device height and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a conveying device featuring a feeding member, support arms, and rotatable racks that move along a loop-shaped circulation path, allowing specimens to be stored and retrieved without the need for horizontal movement across multiple floors, utilizing a belt or chain mechanism and rotating holders to maintain an upright posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple racks are arranged in multiple stages in the vertical direction with transfer arms moving horizontally across floors, then specimens can be stored and retrieved, but the device height increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal transfer arm movement across multiple floors to vertical circulation path movement. The feeding member moves along a loop-shaped circulation path in the vertical direction, with racks moving up and down rather than requiring horizontal space for transfer operations. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical movement resolves the contradiction by maintaining storage capacity while reducing device height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rack positioning where racks are rotatably supported by support arms and can be moved to different positions along the circulation path. The feeding member itself is movable along the circulation path, creating a dynamic system that optimizes space utilization. This dynamic configuration allows the same vertical space to serve multiple storage and transfer functions, reducing the overall device height compared to static multi-floor arrangements.
2Ease of operation
If transfer arms move horizontally across multiple floors for specimen retrieval, then specimens can be accessed, but the space required for transfer operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces horizontal transfer arm movement with vertical circulation path movement. The feeding member travels along a loop-shaped path that includes vertical sections, allowing specimen access without requiring large horizontal transfer spaces. The rack rotation mechanism provides the necessary orientation adjustment in this vertical circulation system, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing the footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation path serves multiple functions: it transports racks between storage positions, provides access points for specimen retrieval, and allows rack orientation adjustment through rotation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate horizontal transfer arms, reducing the space required for transfer operations while maintaining full specimen accessibility.
3Length of stationary object
If racks are moved up and down in a housing, then vertical space is utilized, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transfer function and storage function into a single integrated circulation path system. The feeding member that moves racks along the circulation path also serves as the primary conveying mechanism, eliminating the need for separate transfer arms and complex multi-level positioning systems. This merging of functions reduces overall mechanism complexity while achieving compact vertical space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable rack design supported by movable support arms creates a dynamic system that simplifies the conveying mechanism. Racks can be rotated to the correct orientation and positioned at different heights along the circulation path without requiring complex locking or positioning mechanisms at each floor level. This dynamic approach reduces mechanical complexity compared to rigid multi-floor transfer systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A storage apparatus according to an embodiment includes a conveying device, the conveying device comprising; a feeding member that moves along a predetermined circulation path having a forward path and a backward path; a plurality of support arms supported by the feeding member; and a plurality of racks rotatably supported by the support arms and capable of holding a specimen.