Motorized Coupler Iris Mechanism for Preventing Incorrect Insertion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting components to receiving devices, such as ink cartridges to printers, often result in material contamination when incorrect components are used, and current prevention methods are either costly or ineffective in preventing incorrect insertions.

Innovation Solution

A motorized coupler assembly with a movable iris mechanism, controlled by an electric motor and optical sensing devices, which uses RFID technology to ensure only correct components are inserted by opening or closing the iris based on identification, thereby preventing contamination and reducing costs by allowing all components to be the same size and shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical keying or size/shape differentiation is used to prevent incorrect component insertion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to requiring multiple component types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of incorrect component insertionVSAvoidnumber of different component types required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single universal component design (ink cartridge) that can be used across multiple receiving devices (printers), eliminating the need for different sized cartridges. The RFID tag provides the differentiation mechanism rather than physical dimensions, allowing all cartridges to be homogeneous in size and shape while still preventing incorrect usage through electronic identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

2Measurement precision

If electronic RFID identification is used to indicate correct component type, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the system does not physically prevent incorrect insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of component typeVSAvoidprevention of incorrect component insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable iris acts as an intermediary mechanical barrier between the RFID identification system and the physical insertion process. When the RFID reader identifies an incorrect component, it triggers the iris to close, creating a physical block that prevents insertion. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between electronic identification and physical prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical keying systems with an electronic RFID identification system that controls a mechanical iris. Instead of using mechanically keyed components that physically only fit certain devices, the system uses electronic identification to trigger a mechanical barrier (iris), combining electronic sensing with mechanical prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple keyed component types are manufactured to prevent incorrect insertion, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of incorrect component insertionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of multiple component types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single universal component design (ink cartridge) that can be used across multiple receiving devices (printers), eliminating the need for different sized cartridges. The RFID tag provides the differentiation mechanism rather than physical dimensions, allowing all cartridges to be homogeneous in size and shape while still preventing incorrect usage through electronic identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Reliability

If a movable iris mechanism is added to physically block incorrect insertion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of incorrect component insertionVSAvoidcomplexity of coupler mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical keying systems with an electronic RFID identification system that controls a mechanical iris. Instead of using mechanically keyed components that physically only fit certain devices, the system uses electronic identification to trigger a mechanical barrier (iris), combining electronic sensing with mechanical prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively prevents incorrect components from being inserted into the receiving device, reducing contamination and costs associated with managing multiple component sizes and shapes, while providing a clear visual indication of correct or incorrect insertions through LED lighting.

Implementation Method 1

a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna, wherein, when the RFID sensing device senses an insert of a correct type

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of optical sensing devices, each optical sensing device including an optical emitter and an optical receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10081194B2Mechanical lock-out mechanism for motor latch coupler

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 COLDER PRODUCTS CO

AI summary

A motorized coupler assembly includes a coupler for coupling an insert to a receiving device; a plurality of movable components that cover an opening of the coupler; an electric motor; and an electronic sensing device. When the electronic sensing device detects an insert of a correct type, the movable components rotate to uncover the opening of the coupler and permit the insert to come into contact with the coupler.