Adjustable Platform for Analytical Apparatus Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-unit analytical apparatuses face challenges in precise horizontal and vertical adjustment due to non-planar mounting surfaces, requiring complex mechanisms for individual unit height adjustment and positioning, which complicates assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method and platform system that allows for pre-adjustment of the platform height before mounting, enabling easier assembly and reducing positioning issues between modules, with a movable second platform on a first platform, using height-adjustable feet and bearing wheels for precise unit placement, and connecting elements for stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If height adjustment is performed on every individual unit after mounting, then proper positioning of each unit is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is pre-adjusted to the correct height and level before any analytical units are mounted. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex individual unit adjustments later, as all units mount onto the already-positioned platform. The platform acts as a pre-positioned base that simplifies subsequent assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If individual unit height adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then proper functioning of each unit is ensured, but the time required for assembly and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunit functioningVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is merged from individual unit level to platform level. Instead of each unit having its own adjustment mechanism, the platform collectively provides the height adjustment and leveling for all units. This consolidation reduces the number of adjustment operations from multiple individual unit adjustments to a single platform-level adjustment, significantly reducing assembly and maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex positioning mechanisms are used for each unit, then precise horizontal and vertical adjustment is achieved, but the device becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning and height adjustment functionality is extracted from the individual analytical units and placed onto the platform. This separation means that the complex adjustment mechanisms are now part of the platform rather than each unit. During maintenance, the platform can be adjusted independently without needing to disassemble or work on each individual unit, greatly simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3130925B1Analyzer assembly platform
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
  • EP3130925B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3130925B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3130925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for mounting and combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a first platform, a second platform movable on the first platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.