Laboratory Automation Guiding Profile Elastic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory automation systems for handling biological samples face challenges in assembly and maintenance due to precise orthogonality requirements, leading to costly manufacturing and potential deformation issues that affect the system's functionality and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A modular laboratory automation system with guiding lanes featuring coupling slots and profiles that allow for elastic deformation, ensuring quick and easy assembly while maintaining orthogonality and planarity, using a friction lap joint mechanism to secure the guiding profiles to the framework without causing plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid coupling portions are used to couple separation elements to the framework, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and the system becomes more complex to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism from rigid mechanical engagement to elastic deformation coupling. The coupling portion is designed to elastically deform during insertion into the coupling slot, allowing accommodation of orthogonality variations without requiring perfect manufacturing precision, while still achieving strong coupling through the elastic retention force
2Ease of manufacture
If the coupling slot is deformed to accommodate imperfect orthogonality, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the structural integrity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elasticity to the coupling system. The coupling portion is designed with elastic properties that allow it to deform temporarily during assembly to accommodate misalignment, then retain its elastic force to maintain a reliable, stable connection. This dynamic behavior enables easy assembly while preserving structural integrity through the elastic retention mechanism
3Reliability
If filler material or glue is added to compensate for coupling slot deformation, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-compensating elastic coupling mechanism where the coupling portion automatically adjusts to orthogonality variations through its elastic deformation. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for additional filler materials, glue, or complex alignment procedures, achieving reliable coupling while maintaining simple assembly procedures
4Ease of operation
If the framework is worn to adjust orthogonality of separation elements, then the ease of operation is improved, but the duration of action and longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from permanent material removal (wearing) to reversible elastic deformation. The coupling portion can be inserted and removed multiple times, elastically deforming each time to accommodate orthogonality variations, without causing cumulative damage to the framework. This preserves framework longevity while maintaining ease of operation and adjustment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables rapid and simple assembly, absorbs defects in part alignment, and maintains technical features over time, reducing the need for filler materials and minimizing stress on the load-bearing components, thus enhancing the system's durability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the guiding profile comprises a coupling portion shaped to be inserted and elastically deformed inside the coupling slot
Implementation Method 2
using a friction lap joint mechanism to secure the guiding profiles to the framework
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laboratory automation system (1) for handling test tubes (10) containing samples of biological material along one or more guiding lanes (11, 21). The laboratory automation system (1) comprises a framework (2) defining the base wall (12, 22, 32, 42) of the guiding lanes (11, 21) and at least two guiding profiles (3, 4, 5) defining the opposite side walls of the guiding lanes (11, 21). The framework (2) is provided with two or more coupling slots (30, 40, 50) of respective guiding profiles (3, 4, 5) to the framework (2) obtained along the base wall (12, 22, 32, 42).