Adjustable Connecting Joint for Laboratory Automation Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory automation systems face challenges in maintaining horizontal alignment over long distances and preventing twisting or sinking of connected components during operation, particularly in environments with varying floor heights.

Innovation Solution

A connecting joint comprising a horizontal bearing unit, a vertical bearing unit, and a slider bar that allows adjustable connection of components, enabling horizontal and vertical adjustments to compensate for height differences and prevent twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laboratory automation systems are extended over long distances to cover more processing stations, then the system can handle more samples and reagents, but horizontal alignment becomes difficult to maintain and components may twist or sink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidhorizontal alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting joint is divided into separate functional units: a horizontal bearing unit for lateral adjustment, a vertical bearing unit for height adjustment, and a connecting element. This segmentation allows each unit to independently address specific alignment requirements, enabling precise horizontal alignment even over extended system lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting joint incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the connection geometry to be dynamically modified during installation and maintenance. The horizontal bearing unit enables lateral positioning adjustments, while the vertical bearing unit allows height compensation, ensuring alignment can be adapted to actual installation conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable feet are used to compensate for floor height differences, then vertical alignment can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and alignment precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight compensationVSAvoidalignment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal bearing unit and vertical bearing unit are combined into a single integrated connecting joint assembly. This merging consolidates multiple adjustment functions into one compact component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both height compensation and horizontal alignment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting joint serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vertical height adjustment through the vertical bearing unit, horizontal alignment through the horizontal bearing unit, and mechanical connection between components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If multiple adjustable feet are installed to achieve horizontal alignment, then more components can be connected, but alignment precision remains insufficient and components may still twist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent connectionVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal bearing unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connecting elements, providing a dedicated lateral adjustment function. This intermediate adjustment stage enables precise horizontal positioning independent of vertical adjustments, preventing twisting and ensuring accurate alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the laboratory automation system is made larger to include more processing stations, then more samples can be processed, but maintaining horizontal alignment over the extended distance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing capacityVSAvoidalignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each connecting joint between components is independently equipped with horizontal and vertical bearing units, allowing localized adjustment at each connection point. This segmentation of adjustment functions ensures that alignment can be maintained at each station independently, ensuring system-wide alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4019822B1Connecting joint for connecting components of a laboratory automation system

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A

AI summary

A connecting joint (110) for adjustably connecting at least two components (176, 178) of a laboratory automation system (162) is disclosed. The connecting joint (110) comprises: A. a horizontal bearing unit (112) connectable to a first component (176) of the at least two components (176, 178) of the laboratory automation system (162); B. a vertical bearing unit (114) connectable to a second component (178) of the at least two components (176, 178) of the laboratory automation system (162); and C. a slider bar (116) connecting the horizontal bearing unit (112) with the vertical bearing unit (114), - wherein the slider bar (116) is movably mounted along a vertical axis (118) within the vertical bearing unit (114); and - wherein the slider bar (116) is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit (112), wherein the slider bar (116) is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis (118) by the horizontal bearing unit (112).