Microtiter Plate Clamping Platform With Spring Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping platforms for microtiter plates in mechanical shakers require manual release and fastening, and cannot reliably accommodate dimensional tolerances of microtiter plates, necessitating automation and uniform clamping force across varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A clamping platform with pairs of mounts featuring guided clamping jaws, adjustable by a linear drive and compression springs, allowing for tolerance compensation and automated release and fastening of microtiter plates, with stops to prevent movement during shaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual release and fastening mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping platform is divided into multiple independent clamping units, each capable of automated operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high automation capability through modular design while keeping individual unit complexity manageable. Each unit can be controlled independently by automation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism incorporates self-adjusting features where the system automatically compensates for dimensional variations in microtiter plates through spring-loaded adjustment mechanisms. This self-service capability enables automated operation without requiring complex external adjustment systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed clamping dimensions are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to dimensional tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping platform employs dynamically adjustable clamping dimensions through spring-loaded mechanisms that can adapt to variations in microtiter plate dimensions. The springs allow the clamping units to self-adjust within tolerance ranges while maintaining precise clamping force, thereby achieving both manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the clamping parameters (force and position) automatically based on the detected dimensions of the microtiter plate. By varying these parameters within certain ranges, the system accommodates dimensional tolerances while maintaining secure clamping.
3Extent of automation
If multiple drives are used for automated clamping, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping units are merged into a coordinated system where a single drive mechanism can actuate multiple clamping elements simultaneously through mechanical linkages. This merging approach maintains high automation capability while reducing the total number of independent drives required.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is designed with multi-functionality where a single drive unit can serve multiple clamping positions through a cam mechanism or linkage system. This universal drive approach reduces the number of drives needed while maintaining full automation capability across all clamping units.
4Force
If heavy clamping mechanisms are used, then clamping force is improved, but shaken weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces heavy mechanical clamping mechanisms with spring-based elastic clamping elements that provide sufficient clamping force with minimal weight. The spring mechanisms generate the required force through elastic deformation rather than heavy mechanical components, thereby reducing shaken weight while maintaining adequate clamping force.
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
Enables automated, reliable, and uniform clamping of microtiter plates with minimal mechanical complexity and weight, accommodating dimensional variations and ensuring secure holding during shaking.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (7) arranged between the two clamping jaws (6)
Implementation Method 2
An entrainer (9) can be moved to and fro by a linear drive (10) between the two mounts (3) of the pair (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping platform for a mechanical shaker, which allows automated release and fastening of microtiter plates that are subject to tolerances, includes at least two mounts arranged pairwise for the releasable fastening of the microtiter plates. The platform includes clamping jaws, on which a compression spring acts, actuatable with a link control having a linear drive. In conjunction with the compression spring, the geometry of the guide links allows compensation for the dimensional tolerances of the microtiter plates that are to be fixed by clamping. The spring force of the compression spring is determined such that the clamping jaws that are loaded by the compression spring exert the required clamping force in the deployed position onto the microtiter plates to be fixed.