Lab Bench Receiving Section for Fluid Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laboratory devices, such as microscopes with climate and incubation systems, face challenges with fluid reservoir placement and hose management, leading to wasted workspace, potential damage, and safety hazards due to the need for external fluid reservoirs and hoses.

Innovation Solution

The integration of receiving sections beneath the laboratory bench allows fluid reservoirs to be stored out of the way, minimizing the system's footprint and protecting hoses and pumps, with an integrated fluid supply system that includes pumps and feedthroughs to manage fluid distribution efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If fluid reservoirs are placed next to the laboratory device, then fluid supply is ensured, but valuable workspace is wasted and the footprint is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace areaVSAvoidfluid supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves fluid reservoirs from the horizontal plane (next to the device) to the vertical dimension (below the table surface), allowing workspace to be freed up while maintaining fluid supply capability through vertically routed feedthroughs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If fluid reservoirs are placed next to the laboratory device, then fluid supply is ensured, but the system footprint is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidfluid supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates reservoirs to the vertical space below the table, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining fluid supply through integrated feedthroughs that pass through the table surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If tubes and hoses are routed externally, then fluid transport is achieved, but they are likely to be damaged or kinked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose integrityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fluid supply system by incorporating feedthroughs directly into the table structure, merging the support function of the table with the fluid transport function, thereby protecting hoses from external damage while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If fluid reservoirs are placed externally, then fluid storage is achieved, but safety requirements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the table structure with integrated feedthroughs for fluid transport, creating a unified system that enhances safety by protecting hoses and securing reservoirs while avoiding the complexity of separate external routing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3984637B1Laboratory system particularly for use in microscopy
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
  • EP3984637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3984637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3984637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laboratory system (100) comprising a laboratory device (130) placed on a laboratory bench (120), the laboratory bench (120) having at least one receiving section (180) which is adapted to receive at least one fluid reservoir (110) which is connected to the laboratory device (130).