Self-Guiding Container Insertion for Reliable Docking Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing medications in hospitals face challenges in providing reliable vertical and horizontal restraint during insertion into Automatic Dispensing Machines (ADMs), requiring additional active latching schemes to prevent motion-induced disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A lidded container and docking station system that guides vertical insertion, utilizing a shaped surface and redirection feature to induce lateral motion, allowing the horizontal alignment element to slide into a hole, thereby restraining vertical motion without additional space for lateral motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple vertical mating connector is used to achieve electrical connection between container and tray, then the electrical connection is established, but additional active latching scheme is required to restrain the connector against vertical motions induced by shock and moments
Solution Approach 1:
The container housing self-aligns with the receiving tray during vertical insertion through the shaped surface and redirection feature interaction, automatically engaging the horizontal alignment element with the alignment hole without requiring external alignment mechanisms or active latching schemes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the vertical insertion motion into lateral motion through the redirection feature, allowing the horizontal alignment element to engage the alignment hole in a horizontal dimension while the primary insertion force remains vertical, thus maintaining simple vertical insertion while achieving horizontal alignment
2Reliability
If additional active latching scheme is added to restrain vertical motion of connector, then the connector is restrained against shock and moments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal alignment element and alignment hole are pre-positioned such that the lateral motion during insertion automatically brings them into engagement before the container reaches its final position, ensuring the connector is restrained against vertical motions before any shock or moments can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The passive alignment features automatically engage during insertion without requiring external actuation or complex latching mechanisms, achieving connector restraint through the self-aligning geometry of the housing, redirection feature, and alignment elements
3Ease of operation
If lateral motion space is provided for container during insertion, then horizontal alignment can be achieved, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves horizontal alignment by converting vertical insertion motion into lateral motion through the redirection feature, allowing alignment to occur within the vertical insertion path without requiring additional horizontal space in the docking station
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped surface of the container housing is configured with specific curvature and geometry that, when engaged with the redirection feature, guides the lateral motion of the container during vertical insertion, enabling horizontal alignment through the geometric relationship rather than requiring separate alignment space
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer assembly has a removable container and a receiving tray. The container has a housing having at least one shaped surface and at least one horizontal alignment element coupled to and projecting from the housing. The receiving tray has a base having a redirection feature and at least one horizontal alignment hole in the base that is configured to accept the horizontal alignment element. The container and receiving tray are configured such that downward motion of the container with the shaped surface of the housing in contact with the redirection feature of the base induces a lateral motion of the container according to the engagement of the shaped surface and the redirection feature that causes the horizontal alignment element to slide into the horizontal alignment hole.