Storage device with drawer retainer and stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical supplies such as pharmaceuticals and blood products require stringent quality and inventory control, and existing storage devices lack ergonomics and customization for effective storage and stabilization, especially during agitation processes which cause vibration and movement of drawers.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a movable storage drawer system that includes a drawer retainer and stabilizer, where the drawer retainer locks the drawer in place to prevent further movement away from the enclosure and the stabilizer applies an inward force to minimize lateral movement, ensuring secure and stable access to contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage drawer is made movable for easy access to medical supplies, then the ease of operation is improved, but the drawer becomes unstable and susceptible to vibration and excessive movement during agitation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer retainer applies a preliminary locking action before agitation occurs, preventing the drawer from moving away from the enclosure. The stabilizer similarly applies preliminary inward force to counteract expected lateral vibrations during agitation, thereby preventing excessive movement before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static drawer design to a dynamic one where the drawer can be easily accessed when needed, then locked and stabilized when agitation occurs. The retainer and stabilizer mechanisms allow the system to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drawer retainer locks the drawer in place to prevent movement, then the drawer stability is improved, but the ease of operation for accessing contents is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer retainer creates a dynamic system where the drawer can be easily accessed during normal operation, then locked in place when agitation or transport occurs. This allows the system to switch between accessible and stable states based on operational needs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer applies inward force to minimize lateral movement, then the drawer stability during agitation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed to automatically apply inward force to the drawer based on its coupling to the enclosure and drawer support structure. The mechanism self-regulates to provide stabilization during agitation without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes an enclosure and a plurality of storage drawers contained within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of walls and a storage-drawer support. The plurality of storage drawers are supported in the enclosure by the storage-drawer support.