Analytical Instrument Leveling With Asymmetric Caster Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex analytical apparatuses require precise leveling for operational continuity, especially in systems with shared operational parts, but existing solutions are cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly when installed on non-planar surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A combination of at least two adjustable feet and three casters with a fixed height, where one caster is higher than the others, allowing for easy installation and leveling by adjusting the feet to compensate for surface unevenness, enabling efficient positioning and operation even in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable feet and casters are used for positioning and leveling the apparatus, then the apparatus can be installed on non-planar surfaces, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into three independent casters (providing positional adjustment) and two independent adjustable feet (providing leveling adjustment). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining adaptability to non-planar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The casters are pre-configured with different heights, with one caster being higher than the others. This preliminary height differentiation enables the apparatus to compensate for surface unevenness before the actual installation begins, reducing the complexity of the leveling process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustable feet and casters are used for precise positioning and leveling, then the apparatus can be properly leveled on uneven surfaces, but the number of parts and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full adjustability on all feet, the invention uses exactly two adjustable feet with height adjustment capability, while the other support points use fixed-height casters. This partial adjustability is sufficient to achieve proper leveling on non-planar surfaces, reducing installation time while maintaining adequate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment capability is locally applied only to the two feet that require it for leveling, while the casters provide fixed positional support. This localized quality assignment optimizes the balance between leveling precision and installation efficiency.
3Productivity
If a simple positioning mechanism with fewer components is used, then installation time is reduced, but the ability to compensate for surface unevenness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism uses an asymmetric configuration where one caster is deliberately made higher than the others. This asymmetric height distribution provides built-in compensation for surface unevenness, enabling the apparatus to adapt to non-planar surfaces while maintaining a simple and quick installation process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An analytical apparatus (100, 100', 100") to be installed on a substantially horizontal surface (10) of a diagnostic laboratory is described. The apparatus (100, 100', 100") comprises a bottom side (20, 20') and an upper working side (40, 40'), the bottom side (20, 20') having attached thereto at least three casters (31, 32, 33, 34) for rolling the apparatus (100, 100', 100") on a surface (10) and at least two feet (35, 36). The casters (31, 32, 33, 34) have a fixed height and at least one caster (34) is higher than the other casters (31, 32, 33) so that the apparatus (100, 100', 100") is unbalanced when it is rolled on the surface (10). The at least two feet (35, 36) are individually adjustable in height so that when the height of the feet (35, 36) is adjusted the upper working side (40, 40') is leveled and the apparatus (100, 100', 100") rests on the at least two feet (35, 36) and the higher caster (34). An analytical system (300, 400) comprising the analytical apparatus (100, 100', 100") and a method of installing the analytical apparatus (100, 100', 100") and the system (300, 400) are also described.