Vacuum Disc Dispensing for Faster Antibiotic Support Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for impregnated discs, such as those used in antibiotic sensitivity tests, are limited by complex mechanical actuators that slow down the dispensing process and compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for distributing impregnated supports that utilize a dispenser with tubular containers positioned on its surface, an extractor for moving supports between internal and external positions, and a collector for transporting them to a culture plate, employing vacuum holders for secure handling and a controlled rotation mechanism to enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are used to extract impregnated discs from the magazine, then the discs can be moved to the extraction position, but the dispensing speed is strongly limited and the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex drawer-like mechanical moving means with a suction-based extraction system. The suction generator creates negative pressure to extract impregnated discs directly from the magazine to the delivery position, eliminating the need for mechanical drawers and their actuators, thereby dramatically increasing dispensing speed while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a suction generator to create negative pressure for disc extraction. The suction means draw the impregnated discs from the magazine through air pressure differential, replacing solid mechanical movement with fluid-based pneumatic transport, which enables faster and more reliable disc delivery
2Ease of operation
If drawer-like moving means are positioned substantially internal to the magazine, then the discs can be moved radially externally, but the mechanical actuators become complex and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex internal mechanical actuators with a suction-based system. Instead of using mechanical means to move discs radially externally, the invention uses negative pressure generated by a suction generator to draw discs from the magazine to the delivery position, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the disc movement function from the internal mechanical structure of the magazine. By positioning the suction means to draw discs from the magazine opening rather than using internal drawers, the system removes the complex mechanical actuation mechanism while maintaining the essential disc transport capability
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
The solution allows for faster and more reliable extraction and transportation of impregnated supports, improving the efficiency and reliability of antibiotic sensitivity tests.
Implementation Method 1
suction means configured for creating a negative pressure in correspondence of an upper surface of the rotatable dispenser, for extracting the at least one support from the tubular container
Implementation Method 2
wherein the device comprises at least one first vacuum holder configured for creating a vacuum between a striking surface and the support
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the distribution of supports includes positioning a plurality di tubular containers, each containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser. Extraction of at least a first support from a first container, is performed using an extractor, moving the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container. Collection of the first support from the second position by a collector is performed.Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed, the first support is held at least at the end of extraction, in substantial correspondence of the second position and/or during collection and/or of transportation through the collector, a vacuum is created between the first support and a striking surface using a vacuum holder.