Dual-Level Specimen Container Supply for Faster Sequential Feeding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen supply devices face inefficiencies due to discharge port height issues, which either prolong processing times or limit the number of containers that can be housed, affecting processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A specimen supply device with a dual-unit design featuring first and second supply units, each equipped with auxiliary and push-up members that vertically move to align and guide specimen containers into a predetermined posture, utilizing a regulating member to ensure proper alignment and sequential delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the discharge port position is set high, then the number of specimen containers that can be housed is increased, but the processing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of specimen containers that can be housedVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device is divided into multiple supply units (first supply unit, second supply unit, etc.), each with its own discharge port at different heights. This segmentation allows the system to house more containers vertically while maintaining short push-up distances for quick processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single vertical dimension to multiple vertical levels by stacking supply units at different heights. Each supply unit operates independently with its own push-up member, enabling parallel processing across multiple levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If the discharge port position is set low, then the processing time is reduced, but the number of specimen containers that can be housed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidnumber of specimen containers that can be housed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device is divided into multiple supply units (first supply unit, second supply unit, etc.), each with its own discharge port at different heights. This segmentation allows the system to house more containers vertically while maintaining short push-up distances for quick processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple supply units operate in parallel with continuous supply of specimen containers. While one unit is being processed, another unit can simultaneously supply containers, ensuring continuous operation without idle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If a single supply unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the processing efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device is divided into multiple supply units (first supply unit, second supply unit, etc.), each with its own discharge port at different heights. This segmentation allows the system to house more containers vertically while maintaining short push-up distances for quick processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple supply units are combined into a single integrated device that shares common control mechanisms and housing structures. The push-up members and auxiliary members of different units work cooperatively to achieve efficient parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260009813A1Specimen supply device

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 AOI SEIKI

AI summary

A specimen supply device according to an embodiment includes a first supply unit including: a first housing unit, a first auxiliary member that moves vertically; and a first push-up member that moves vertically; a second supply unit including: a second housing unit a second auxiliary member that moves vertically; and a second push-up member that moves vertically; and a regulating member that is disposed adjacent to one side of the second push-up member at the time of rising and includes a holding portion that holds a specimen container.