Washer Trolley Guide Layout for Precise Heat-Disinfection Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing apparatuses for heat-disinfection in hospital settings are complex, impractical, and difficult to maintain, with movement devices that fail to ensure precise positioning of containers and hinder maintenance due to structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with a movement device featuring a trolley guided by a sliding mechanism along a parallel guide element, supported by an autonomous frame and pulley system, allowing precise alignment and movement of containers relative to washer machines without interference, enabling efficient positioning and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile frame supported by an upper rail is used to move the trolley, then the trolley can be positioned along the battery of washer machines, but the positioning precision is poor and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support structure by moving the support rail from the upper position to the lower position (floor level). This inversion allows the trolley to be supported from below rather than from above, enabling precise positioning through the guide element while eliminating the pendulum effect that caused positioning errors in the previous design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a guide element that extends parallel to the axis of alignment to create a precise reference path for the trolley. This guide element acts as a template or copy of the ideal positioning path, ensuring the trolley follows the correct trajectory and achieves accurate centering with respect to the washer machine entrance aperture.
2Device complexity
If a cantilevered mobile frame is used to support the trolley, then the structure can be simplified, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to pendulum motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support structure by moving the support rail from the upper position to the lower position (floor level). This inversion allows the trolley to be supported from below rather than from above, enabling precise positioning through the guide element while eliminating the pendulum effect that caused positioning errors in the previous design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide element as an intermediary component between the trolley and the support rail. This guide element mediates the interaction by providing a precise geometric constraint that ensures accurate positioning, acting as a reference that the trolley must follow while moving along the rail.
3Volume of stationary object
If the upper rail is used to support the mobile frame, then the structure can be compact, but maintenance becomes difficult due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support structure by moving the support rail from the upper position to the lower position (floor level). This inversion maintains structural compactness while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility, as the rail and associated components are now easily reachable from the floor level rather than requiring work at height.
4Volume of stationary object
If the mobile frame is positioned above the washer machines, then the structure can be compact, but the door cannot be opened upwards for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support structure by moving the support rail from the upper position to the lower position (floor level). This inversion eliminates the interference with the washer machine door, allowing the door to open upwards freely for maintenance operations while the support structure remains compact and functional.
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 ensures precise and safe positioning of containers, prevents damage during handling, and facilitates easy maintenance by freeing space above the washer machines, improving operational safety and adaptability to different washer machine types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding means slides on support means autonomous with respect to the washer machines
Data Source
AI summary
A washing apparatus (10), in particular for heat-disinfection, comprises a plurality of washer machines (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), which are positioned aligned along an axis of alignment (T), and a movement device (19) to move an object-bearing container (20) parallel to the axis of alignment (T). The movement device (19) is provided with a trolley (21) to transport the container (20) and having sliding means (22) guided by a guide element (35) which extends parallel to the axis of alignment (T). The movement device (19) is also provided with movement means (24) to move the trolley (20) parallel to the guide element (35). The washing apparatus also comprises a frame (32), disposed along the axis of alignment (T) and made so as to define a plurality of housing zones (33) in which the washer machines (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are positioned. The movement means (24) is associated at least partly with the frame (32).