Adjustable C-Shaped Adapter for Lab Module Gap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory systems, closing C-shaped gaps between modules is challenging due to high positioning tolerances, which can lead to objects like sample containers falling through, requiring precise and exhaustive alignment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable adapter with a base and legs forming a C-shape, where the base is adjustable along the length direction to compensate for positioning inaccuracies, using a telescopic mechanism and fasteners to ensure secure closure of the gap, even at high tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise and exhaustive positioning of modules is required to close the gap, then the gap closure reliability is improved, but the positioning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is made adjustable in its dimension along the length direction, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different positioning scenarios. This allows the adapter to compensate for positioning inaccuracies without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, thereby maintaining gap closure reliability while reducing positioning complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dimension of the base along the length direction is made variable through adjustment mechanisms. By changing this parameter, the adapter can accommodate different gap sizes resulting from positioning tolerances, ensuring reliable gap closure without requiring exhaustive positioning of the modules
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base dimension is made adjustable to compensate for positioning inaccuracies, then the adapter versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow its dimension along the length direction to be modified. This dynamic capability enables the adapter to handle various positioning scenarios and tolerance ranges, enhancing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through focused adjustability in one dimension
3Reliability
If precise module positioning is required to prevent objects from falling through, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable adapter serves as an intermediary element between the two modules. Instead of requiring precise positioning of the modules themselves, the adapter compensates for positioning inaccuracies by adjusting its base dimension, thereby preventing objects from falling through while simplifying the operation of module positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable base allows the adapter to adapt to different gap sizes, ensuring safety by preventing objects from falling through regardless of positioning inaccuracies. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for precise module positioning, significantly improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable adapter for closing a c-shaped gap in between two modules of a laboratory system, the adjustable adapter comprising a base extending along a width direction (W) of the adjustable adapter, and a pair of legs each protruding from the base in a length direction (L) of the adjustable adapter so that the base and the legs are arranged in a c-shape of the adjustable adapter, the base being adjustable to set its dimension (D, D1, D2) along the length direction (L).