Laboratory table with table panel elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laboratory systems face challenges in accommodating tall devices due to restricted access by robot arms, requiring modular and adjustable laboratory tables to optimize workspace utilization and robot motion range.
Innovation Solution
A modular laboratory table design featuring interchangeable table top elements with locking rails and clamping mechanisms, allowing for customizable work surface configurations to accommodate various devices and processes, while maintaining precise positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tall devices are placed on the laboratory table, then the workspace utilization is improved, but the robot arm access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The laboratory table top is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the work surface to be adapted to accommodate tall devices while maintaining open pathways for robot arm access by strategically placing or removing specific table top modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The table top elements are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through the locking cam mechanism that engages with locking rails. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the workspace layout to be changed based on operational requirements, optimizing both device placement and robot arm accessibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous laboratory table tops are used with locking cams, then the positioning precision is improved, but the adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous table top is segmented into discrete modular elements that maintain precise positioning through locking cams. Each module can be independently positioned and locked into place, combining the precision of fixed positioning with the flexibility of modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning of table top elements, enables easy reconfiguration, and ensures stable fixation. This universal mechanism supports both high precision requirements and adaptability needs within the same system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular table top elements are used, then the adaptability is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the modular table top elements and the locking rails. It compensates for manufacturing tolerances by providing a self-aligning locking action that ensures precise and repeatable positioning of each module, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy despite the modular construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple table top variants are created for different configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely different table top variants, the system segments the table into standardized modular elements. These uniform modules can be combined in different configurations to create various work surface layouts, significantly reducing the number of unique parts and assembly procedures while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5B
Figure 6A~9C
AI summary
A laboratory table (1) with at least one front frame piece (4) and one rear frame piece (5) and with interchangeable table top elements (3) that can be positioned on these frame pieces (4, 5) and comprises a number of latching openings (8, 8', 9 ,9') which are arranged at a regular spacing (12) on the front frame piece (4) and/or on the rear frame piece (5), the regular spacing (12) defining a modular lattice. Each of these latching openings (8,8',9,9') is designed and arranged for inserting a latching bolt (10,11) of an exchangeable tabletop element (3) positioned on or on the front and rear frame pieces (4,5). . Each interchangeable tabletop element (3) is designed as a modular tabletop element (3) which comprises at least two locking bolts (10,11) which are inserted into one of the locking openings (8,8',9,9') of the laboratory table (1) formed and arranged.