Processing Tray Interlocks to Prevent Subassembly Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing trays fail to ensure that sensitive device components are removed before exposure to processing conditions, leading to potential damage or incomplete processing due to user error.

Innovation Solution

A processing tray with receiving and arresting appurtenances that retain devices at a predetermined location and prevent receipt if a subassembly is coupled, ensuring subassemblies are decoupled before processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a device with subassembly is placed in a processing tray, then the device can be processed, but sensitive components may be damaged by processing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to sensitive components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed with arresting appurtenances that prevent placement of devices with attached subassemblies before processing begins. This preliminary mechanical constraint ensures sensitive components are not exposed to harmful processing conditions while maintaining efficient processing of properly prepared devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If user manually removes subassembly before processing, then sensitive components are protected, but user error can lead to failure to remove subassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive componentsVSAvoiduser operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the protection function automatically through mechanically interlocked arresting appurtenances that self-enforce the requirement to remove subassemblies. The tray itself provides the constraint and protection without requiring user judgment or memory, eliminating user error while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If tray accepts any device configuration, then ease of loading is improved, but processing completeness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loadingVSAvoidprocessing completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The arresting appurtenances create a preliminary mechanical barrier that prevents incorrect device configurations from being loaded onto the tray. This pre-prevention mechanism ensures processing completeness by blocking devices with attached subassemblies before they can enter the processing chamber, while still allowing easy loading of properly prepared devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS20250262340A1Processing tray and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 THINK SURGICAL INC

AI summary

A processing tray for a device having a subassembly is provided that includes a base. One or more receiving appurtenances are positioned on the base or an insert supported by the base. The receiving appurtenances are complementary to the device for retaining the device at a predetermined location. One or more arresting appurtenances are present and adapted to prevent receipt of the device at the predetermined location if the subassembly is coupled with the device. The arresting appurtenances may contact the subassembly when the subassembly is coupled with the device to prevent such receipt. A method of processing a device includes decoupling a subassembly from an object to yield the device to be processed. The device is placed in contact at the predetermined location to prevent receipt of the device if the subassembly is still coupled to the device. As a result, accidental processing of the subassembly is prevented.