Screen Basket Positioning Interface for Robotic Sterilization Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for handling and positioning sieve baskets in sterilization containers lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for robotic gripping and positioning, leading to inefficiencies in automation and potential wear due to loose fittings.

Innovation Solution

A device with mechanical and machine-readable interfaces is introduced, allowing for precise gripping and positioning of sieve baskets within sterilization containers, utilizing lugs, locking mechanisms, and machine-readable codes for improved handling and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screen basket is placed in a container without a positioning device, then the container can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the screen basket cannot be securely positioned and may shift or become dislodged during transport and use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is divided into separate functional components: a positioning element with engagement features that interface with the container wall, and a screen basket with a bottom surface that receives the positioning element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving secure positioning when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning element is designed to be inserted through the bottom surface of the screen basket and engage with the container wall from the interior. The screen basket bottom surface acts as a receiving structure for the positioning element, creating a nested arrangement where the positioning mechanism is housed within the basket structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a positioning device is added to secure the screen basket, then positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is merged with the existing screen basket structure by integrating a positioning element that interfaces with the container wall through the basket's bottom surface. This merging approach secures the basket without requiring entirely separate positioning mechanisms, reducing the overall number of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning element serves multiple functions: it secures the screen basket to the container, provides structural support, and enables easy removal and reinstallation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If the screen basket is made removable for cleaning, then maintenance ease is improved, but the risk of the basket becoming dislodged during normal use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidpositioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning element is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically secure the screen basket to the container wall upon insertion. This preliminary positioning action ensures the basket is firmly attached before any cleaning operations, allowing safe removal only when intentionally detached during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system provides dynamic security through an engagement mechanism that maintains firm attachment during normal use but allows intentional detachment for cleaning. The engagement features provide stable positioning under normal conditions while enabling controlled removal when maintenance is required, balancing stability with accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4496528B1Device for positioning a screen basket in a container
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 AESCULAP AG
  • EP4496528B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4496528B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4496528B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for positioning a screen basket (9) in a container (10). The device (1) has a mechanical interface (2) for limiting the movement of the screen basket (9) in the container (10), in particular the movement of the screen basket relative to the container (10), wherein the device (1) has a mechanical interface (3) for gripping the device (1), and the device (1) has a machine-readable interface (6) for detecting the screen basket (9) and/or a machine-readable interface (5) for detecting the position and/or orientation of the screen basket (9), in particular in a coordinate system for navigation or positioning purposes. The invention relates to a system which comprises the device (1) and a container (10) with a trough for receiving the screen basket (9). The device (1) can be inserted into the trough of the container (10) and is adapted such that the mechanical interface (2) for limiting the movement of the screen basket (9) in the container (10) rests against the inner wall of the trough and braces the screen basket (9) against the trough, thus fixing the position of the screen basket in the container (10).