Biased mechanism for guided insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting removable electrical components, such as medication containers to Automatic Dispensing Machines, face challenges in securely restraining vertical motions induced by shock and moments, requiring additional active latching schemes that complicate the insertion process.
Innovation Solution
A self-guiding insertion mechanism that utilizes a lidded container with shaped surfaces and horizontal alignment elements, which engage with a receiving tray's redirection feature to convert downward vertical motion into lateral motion, allowing the container to securely align with horizontal alignment holes without additional space for lateral motion, thereby restraining vertical motion and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple vertical mating connector is used to achieve electrical connection between container and tray, then the connection is achieved, but additional active latching scheme is required to restrain the connector against vertical motions induced by shock and moments
Solution Approach 1:
The container's shaped surface automatically engages with the tray's redirection feature during vertical insertion, causing the container to self-guide laterally into the alignment hole without requiring external latching mechanisms. The system uses its own insertion motion to achieve proper alignment and restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the vertical insertion motion into lateral motion through the redirection feature, allowing the connector to engage in a different dimension (horizontal alignment) while maintaining the simple vertical insertion interface. This dimensional transformation eliminates the need for complex vertical latching schemes.
2Reliability
If additional space for lateral motion of the container is provided during insertion, then the connector can be restrained vertically and horizontally, but the insertion process becomes more complex and requires additional active latching schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The container self-aligns laterally into the alignment hole through the geometric interaction between its shaped surface and the tray's redirection feature during vertical insertion. No external alignment mechanisms or additional space are required; the container's own insertion motion performs the alignment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The redirection feature transforms vertical insertion motion into lateral alignment motion, enabling horizontal restraint without requiring additional horizontal insertion space. The dimensional transformation allows the connector to be restrained in both vertical and horizontal directions through a single vertical insertion action.
3Device complexity
If a passive alignment mechanism is used to guide container insertion, then the connector is restrained vertically and horizontally without additional latching schemes, but the mechanism must convert vertical motion into lateral motion without additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The shaped surface and redirection feature are designed with precise geometric relationships that convert vertical insertion motion into lateral alignment motion. The geometry itself provides the alignment precision, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms while achieving accurate horizontal positioning of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive alignment mechanism uses the container's own insertion motion to drive the lateral alignment through the redirection feature. The system self-regulates the alignment precision through its geometric constraints without requiring external control systems or additional space for adjustment mechanisms.
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
This mechanism enhances the stability and reliability of electrical connections by converting vertical insertion into lateral motion, ensuring secure engagement of connectors without additional space, improving the performance and longevity of connectors while maintaining user-preferred vertical insertion methods.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer assembly is disclosed that includes a removable container ad 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.