Coupled Laboratory Stirrers with Central Parameter Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory devices, such as magnetic stirrers, require separate setting and operation for each device, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially when multiple devices need to be controlled simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory device set with a coupling device that allows multiple similar devices to be operated centrally via a common setting device, eliminating the need for individual setting devices and enhancing operational efficiency and error prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple laboratory devices are operated separately with individual setting devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual setting devices into a single common setting device that can control multiple laboratory devices simultaneously. The control unit integrates the functionality of multiple separate controllers, allowing centralized adjustment of operating parameters for all connected devices through one interface, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common setting device is designed with universal functionality to control different types of laboratory devices (e.g., magnetic stirrers, heating plates) through a unified interface. The control unit can identify and manage multiple devices of various functions, allowing one setting device to perform the roles of multiple individual controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate setting devices are used for each laboratory device, then individual control is possible, but errors increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiderror prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple setting functions into a single common setting device, the patent reduces the number of manual adjustments needed when operating multiple devices. The control unit automatically manages parameter distribution across devices, minimizing human intervention and reducing the likelihood of configuration errors, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the status of connected laboratory devices and verify parameter settings. This feedback system ensures that operating parameters are correctly applied to each device and can detect anomalies, preventing errors while maintaining high operational efficiency through automated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual setting devices are provided, then each device can be adjusted independently, but space and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The common setting device is designed with universal control capabilities that can adapt to multiple different laboratory devices through the control unit. This single device performs the function of multiple individual setting devices, maintaining full control flexibility and adaptability while eliminating the need for duplicate hardware, thereby reducing resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the distribution and adjustment of operating parameters across multiple devices based on their specific requirements. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain independent control flexibility for each device type while using a single shared setting device, avoiding resource waste without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3655829B1Laboratory device with adjustable operating parameters for controlling a laboratory device function
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 HANS HEIDOLPH GMBH
  • EP3655829B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2(c)
  • EP3655829B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3655829B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a laboratory device (4, 9), more particularly a magnetic agitator, comprising at least one adjustable operating parameter for controlling at least one laboratory device function and an external housing (2). The external housing (2) comprises a coupling device (11a, 11b) for coupling the laboratory device (4, 9) to at least one further laboratory device (5, 9) for the same at least one laboratory device function, in which the at least one operating parameter may likewise be adjusted, and the coupling device (11a, 11b) is designed in such a manner that the laboratory device (4, 9) and the at least one further laboratory device (5, 9) may be operated simultaneously by means of the coupling device (11a, 11b), and the at least one operating parameter may be adjusted centrally by way of a common adjustment device independently and/or uniformly for the laboratory device (4, 9) and the at least one further laboratory device (5, 9).