Smart Freezer with Vertical Carousel for Breast Milk Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing breast milk require significant freezer space and manual organization, which is inefficient and time-consuming, with no commercial solutions available for automated storage and retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
A smart freezer with a vertical carousel automated conveyor system that organizes breast milk storage bags by expiration date, using a refrigerated enclosure, pivot mechanism, drive mechanism, and control panel for automated storage and retrieval, along with a user interface for selecting desired ounces and tracking inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual storage method is used, then breast milk bags can be stored, but freezer space is significantly sacrificed and organization becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple racks with individual compartments, each capable of holding multiple bags vertically. This segmentation allows efficient space utilization while maintaining organized storage of breast milk bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical suspension storage. Bags are hung vertically from racks, utilizing the vertical dimension of the freezer space, which significantly increases storage capacity within the same footprint.
2Loss of time
If manual sorting by expiration date is performed, then desired bags can be retrieved, but significant time is spent and freezer door must remain open
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes bags by expiration date on each rack, with the earliest expiration bag positioned in the easiest-to-reach compartment. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for manual sorting during retrieval, reducing both time and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system tracks the expiration dates of stored bags and provides feedback through the user interface to guide retrieval operations, indicating which bag should be removed next based on expiration priority.
3Quantity of substance
If more freezer space is allocated for breast milk storage, then sufficient stock can be maintained, but the freezer becomes dedicated solely to breast milk
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and compartment system is designed to be universally applicable for storing different types of breast milk bags while maintaining organization. The standardized compartments can accommodate various bag sizes and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of bag positions and rack configurations to optimize storage based on current inventory needs, enabling flexible utilization of freezer space for different quantities and types of breast milk storage requirements.
4Device complexity
If breast milk bags are stored without protection, then storage is simple, but bags are vulnerable to tearing and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible rack structures with protective compartments that cradle and support the breast milk bags, preventing them from hanging loosely and vulnerable to tearing while maintaining simple access.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for organizing breast milk storage bags, comprising a refrigerated enclosure, a vertical carousel automated conveyor having a plurality of racks rotating around it vertical axis with such racks partitioned in a plurality of compartments wherein the breast milk storage bags are placed, a main door that allows access to the whole arrangement and a secondary door that allows easy access to one rack for retrieving or storing breast milk storage bags, such secondary door includes a load sensor and a plurality of light sources that indicates in which slot the desired bag is located. The apparatus further includes a control panel with a User Interface and employs an algorithm that selects the breast milk storage bags according to the desired ounces sorting them by nearest expiration date and keeping track of the breast milk inventory database which is able to be accessed through a mobile app.