Spout Support Tool for Collapsible Reagent Box Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid supply systems used in diagnostic laboratories, the spout and flange of collapsible containers can retract into the box-shaped enclosure as liquid reagents are withdrawn, leading to spills when the liquid level falls below the spout opening.
Innovation Solution
A spout support tool with an engaging portion and a grasping portion is provided, featuring a spout receiver that fits under the flange of the collapsible insert, preventing the spout from retracting into the box by engaging with the box wall and flange, thus maintaining the spout's orientation and preventing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spout and flange are retractable through the opening in the wall for storage and shipment, then the container is compact and easy to store, but the spout may retract into the box as liquid is withdrawn, causing spills
Solution Approach 1:
A support tool with a spout receiver is introduced as an intermediary component between the spout and the box wall. The spout receiver engages with the flange and prevents the spout from retracting into the box, while the support tool itself is supported by the box wall through engagement surfaces. This mediator solves the contradiction by providing positive support during liquid withdrawal while allowing retraction during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tool is installed in advance before liquid withdrawal begins. By preliminarily positioning the spout in a supported state using the support tool, the system prevents the harmful retraction effect from occurring during subsequent liquid withdrawal operations, while still allowing compact storage when the support tool is removed.
2Productivity
If the spout is kept outside the box during liquid withdrawal, then liquid can be accessed continuously, but the spout may fall back into the container when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The spout receiver acts as an intermediary that maintains the spout in an accessible position during liquid withdrawal. It provides continuous support to prevent the spout from falling back into the container, ensuring uninterrupted liquid supply while eliminating the spill hazard associated with an unsupported spout.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tool applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful retraction motion before it can occur. By engaging the flange and supporting the spout weight, it counteracts the tendency of the spout to fall back into the container due to gravity and liquid level changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid supply system for an analyzer. Liquid supply system includes a liquid-containing container and a spout support tool. Liquid-containing container is made up of a rectangular parallelepiped box comprising a wall with an opening therein, and a collapsible insert including a liquid-containing portion received inside the rectangular parallelepiped box. The collapsible insert includes a spout with a flange wherein both are retractable through the opening. The support tool has a body having an engaging portion and a grasping portion, the engaging portion includes a first engagement surface engaged with a surface of the wall, a second engagement surface, and a spout receiver formed in the engaging portion that is configured to be received under the flange to support the spout. pout support tools and retaining methods of a liquid supply system are provided, as are other aspects.