Rotating Shaft Bag Loading Mechanism for Medical Product Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated medical product preparation machines face inefficiencies in loading various types of medical containers, particularly requiring manual adaptation and positioning of container adaptors, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when handling bags due to limited space and poor visibility of the dosing point.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a rotating shaft and lever mechanism that allows adaptors for medical product bags to be easily loaded and positioned for filling, enhancing operator convenience by providing a clear view of the connection point and reducing manual effort through a guided rotation from a loading to an operating position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adaptors are positioned in the machine operating position with dosing points facing inside the machine, then the robotic filling process can proceed, but the operator has very little space to introduce bags and cannot see the connection point clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rotatable shaft that allows the adaptors to be dynamically repositioned between two fixed positions: a loading position where bags can be easily introduced and connected, and an operating position where the dosing points face the robotic filling means. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for operator convenience during loading and for automated filling efficiency during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device is segmented into multiple independent adaptors (at least two) arranged on the rotatable shaft, each capable of being positioned independently. This segmentation allows different adaptors to be in different positions or allows the operator to work on one adaptor while another is being filled, improving overall efficiency and operator accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual loading of containers into adaptors is performed, then flexibility for different container types is achieved, but the process becomes slow and tedious especially for long batches
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions multiple adaptors on the rotatable shaft in advance, ready for loading. The operator can load multiple bags into multiple adaptors during a single stopping position, rather than loading one bag at a time during the filling cycle. This preliminary preparation of multiple adaptors simultaneously improves loading speed while maintaining flexibility for different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptors are designed as universal components that can accommodate different types of medical containers (syringes, bags, infusers, cassettes) while maintaining the same interface with the rotatable shaft and robotic filling system. This universality allows the system to handle various container types without requiring separate loading mechanisms, thus maintaining both versatility and productivity.
3Extent of automation
If the dosing point is positioned below the worktop for robotic access, then automated filling can occur, but the operator cannot see the connection point clearly resulting in poor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable shaft enables the dosing point to dynamically change its vertical position relative to the worktop. During the loading phase, the adaptor is positioned at the loading position where the dosing point is accessible and visible to the operator. During the filling phase, the shaft rotates to bring the dosing point to the operating position where it is accessible to the robotic filling means. This dynamic repositioning resolves the visibility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operator's need for visual access and the robotic system's need for automated filling access. It transforms the static positioning problem into a dynamic sequence where visibility and robotic accessibility are satisfied at different times in the operational cycle.
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
Facilitates faster and more efficient loading of medical containers, allowing for both batch and patient-specific modes, reducing operator concentration and effort while ensuring accurate positioning of bags for filling, thereby improving productivity and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (2) rigidly connected to said shaft (1), actuation of said lever (2) causing said shaft (1) to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for the preparation of medical product includes a device for loading bags of medical product into the machine. The device includes a shaft with the ability to rotate and two or more adaptors for housing injection points of bags of medical product arranged on the shaft. The rotation of the shaft causes the adaptors arranged on the shaft to rotate. Two stops define a position for loading bags by an operator and an operating position of the machine.