Adjustable Connecting Joint for Laboratory System Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory automation systems face challenges in maintaining alignment over long distances and preventing twisting during operation, as components may sink or move at different rates, requiring a solution to compensate for height differences and ensure stable connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A connecting joint comprising a horizontal bearing unit, a vertical bearing unit, and a slider bar that is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit, allowing adjustable connection and alignment of laboratory automation system components, thereby preventing twisting and compensating for height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If laboratory automation systems are installed over long distances, then the system can cover larger operational areas, but alignment stability deteriorates due to height differences and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting joint incorporates a slider bar that is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit, allowing the joint to dynamically adjust to height differences and maintain alignment stability over long distances
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting joint is divided into separate functional units (horizontal bearing unit, vertical bearing unit, and slider bar) that can independently adjust to compensate for misalignments, enabling stable connection across extended distances
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable feet are used to compensate height differences, then horizontal alignment can be improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (horizontal positioning and vertical compensation) into a single integrated connecting joint structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustable feet while achieving the same alignment objectives
3Reliability
If components are rigidly connected to prevent twisting, then connection stability improves, but adaptability to height differences and movement variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slider bar's movable mounting along the vertical axis provides dynamic adjustment capability that maintains connection stability while adapting to height differences and component movement variations
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting joint allows changes in vertical position parameters through the slider bar mechanism while maintaining horizontal alignment, enabling the system to adapt to varying height conditions without compromising connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The connecting joint comprises a horizontal bearing unit connectable to a first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; a vertical bearing unit connectable to a second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; and a slider bar connecting the horizontal bearing unit with the vertical bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit; and wherein the slider bar is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis by the horizontal bearing unit.