Modular Laboratory Bench Layout for Robot Arm Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory bench systems face challenges in accommodating tall equipment due to restricted robotic arm movement, requiring modular and adjustable work surfaces to optimize space utilization and equipment placement.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory bench with a frame comprising a front and rear frame piece, featuring interchangeable tabletop elements with locking rails and clamping mechanisms, allowing for customizable configurations to accommodate various equipment heights and orientations, thereby enhancing robotic arm accessibility and workspace flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If tall devices are placed on the work surface, then the robot arm access is blocked, but the work surface area is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by providing adjustable-height table top elements that can be positioned at different levels. This allows tall devices to be placed on elevated table tops while maintaining clear horizontal paths for robot arms to access other work surface areas, effectively resolving the conflict between utilizing work surface area and maintaining robot arm accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface is segmented into multiple independent table top elements that can be individually adjusted in height and position. This segmentation allows specific areas to be elevated to accommodate tall devices while leaving other areas at lower levels for robot arm access, enabling simultaneous optimization of both device placement and robot operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous laboratory table tops are used, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous table top is divided into multiple modular table top elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each element maintains precise positioning capabilities through individual adjustment mechanisms, while the modular nature allows flexible reconfiguration of the work surface to accommodate different device arrangements and experimental setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The table top elements are designed with adjustable height and position capabilities, transforming the static continuous table top into a dynamic modular system. This allows the work surface configuration to be adapted to different experimental requirements while maintaining positioning precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular table top elements are used, then adaptability is improved, but positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustment mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the modular table top elements and the frame structure. These mechanisms enable precise positioning of each modular element while maintaining the overall adaptability of the system, effectively bridging the gap between modularity and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems are replaced with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow precise alignment of modular table top elements. This substitution enables the modular elements to achieve positioning precision comparable to continuous table tops while retaining the configuration flexibility of modular design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5B
Figure 6A~9C
AI summary
The laboratory bench has a frame (2) with a front frame piece (4) and an opposite rear frame piece (5). The removable table top elements (3) are positioned on the frame. The frame comprises a latching rail with latching openings. The latching rail is arranged at front or rear frame piece. The table top elements comprise locking mechanisms (20) spaced from detent pins (10,11). The locking mechanisms lock the table top elements in a locking position and hold the detent pins in the latching rail in a locking position. The detent pins are guided parallel to a plate axis of the table top elements. An independent claim is included for a method for providing a laboratory bench.