Probe Cover Dispenser Gravity Feeder Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probe cover dispensers are complex, expensive, and prone to errors due to decreased spring force as probe covers deplete, leading to potential contamination and infection risks during use.
Innovation Solution
A simple probe cover dispenser utilizing a slide rail and feeder assembly with a gravitational member to deliver probe covers, ensuring consistent and contamination-free coverage without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-based press plate mechanism is used to deliver probe covers, then the probe covers can be automatically delivered, but the delivery reliability deteriorates as the spring force decreases when probe covers deplete
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover dispenser utilizes the weight of the remaining probe covers themselves to provide the pressing force. As probe covers are consumed, the pressing force naturally decreases, but this is compensated by the feeder assembly's ability to detect and adjust for varying weights, creating a self-regulating system that maintains reliable delivery throughout the entire supply cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using a fixed spring force to utilizing variable gravitational force that changes with the quantity of probe covers. The feeder assembly detects weight parameters and adjusts its operation accordingly, allowing reliable delivery whether there is one probe cover or many remaining in the cartridge.
2Extent of automation
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to deliver probe covers, then the delivery function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the pressing function and the delivery function into a single integrated feeder assembly. The feeder assembly simultaneously performs the dual tasks of pressing down on the probe covers to maintain contact with the slide rail and mechanically delivering them, eliminating the need for separate press plate and spring mechanisms while achieving reliable automatic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: it presses the probe covers against the slide rail, detects the weight/quantity of remaining covers, and mechanically delivers the covers. This universal component replaces several specialized parts, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining automation.
3Device complexity
If manual handling of probe covers is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of contamination and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover dispenser is designed to be self-operating, automatically delivering probe covers without requiring user intervention. The system uses the probe covers' own weight and the feeder assembly's mechanical action to complete the delivery, ensuring that users never touch the probe covers and eliminating the contamination risk associated with manual handling.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and hygienic method for automatically delivering probe covers, reducing the risk of infection and maintaining consistent performance even with decreasing probe cover quantities.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational member arranged inside the probe cover cartridge and above the probe covers to apply gravity to the probe covers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a probe cover dispenser, which comprises a base having a probe cover basin; a probe cover cartridge receiving probe covers; a gravitational member applying gravity to the probe covers; and a feeder assembly arranged between the base and the probe cover cartridge. The gravitational member makes a probe cover fall from the probe cover cartridge onto the base, and a feeder pushes the gravitationally released probe cover to the probe cover basin. Then, the user inserts a probe of an infrared thermometer into the probe cover inside the probe cover basin to sleeve the probe with the probe cover. Via the present invention, the user can fit a probe cover onto a probe without using his hands. Thus, the present invention can effectively reduce the pollution of probe covers and the infection of testees.