Modular Laboratory Disposal System with Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laboratory devices lack a simple, cost-effective, and flexible solution for safe disposal of hazardous substances, particularly liquid chemicals, across various laboratory setups.

Innovation Solution

A modular distribution system with a bushing, adapter, and distributor allows for the connection and combination of media lines of different diameters, enabling safe disposal through either a collection vessel or media lines, and includes features like hose and funnel adapters for adaptability and electrostatic discharge prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated disposal system with fixed drainage grooves and sinks is implemented, then safe handling of hazardous substances is improved, but adaptability to different laboratory setups and working conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe handling of hazardous substancesVSAvoidadaptability to different laboratory setups
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal system is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with opening, removable adapters (hose adapter, funnel adapter), and collection container. This segmentation allows different adapter configurations to be attached to the same base, providing adaptability while maintaining safe disposal functionality through the standardized base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit with opening serves multiple functions by accepting different types of adapters (hose adapter for direct hose connection, funnel adapter for funnel attachment). This universal base design enables the same disposal system to handle different working conditions and laboratory setups without requiring multiple dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular distribution system with multiple adapters and distributors is implemented, then adaptability to different working conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different working conditionsVSAvoidnumber of components in distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments functionality into a simple base unit and interchangeable adapters. Instead of one complex integrated system, the segmentation into removable components (base, adapters, collection container) reduces overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through modular reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter can be easily removed and replaced depending on working conditions. This allows the system to discard the current adapter configuration and recover the base unit for a new configuration, simplifying the approach to adaptability rather than requiring permanent complex multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If standardized components with receptacles and connecting flanges are used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing of standardized components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit with standardized opening and the adapter with matching receptacle and connecting flange create a universal connection system. This universality simplifies assembly and disassembly operations while the standardized design actually reduces manufacturing complexity through repetition of the same component specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible and safe disposal of hazardous liquids by allowing adaptation to different working conditions with standardized components, ensuring efficient handling of varying liquid quantities and viscosities while preventing electrostatic charges.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one media line is designed to be electrically conductive in order in this way, on the one hand, to be able to prevent electrostatic charges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge prevention: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3235567B1Laboratory equipment
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 DUEPERTHAL SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3235567B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laboratory device equipped with at least one base (3, 5) having at least one opening (4) and at least one collection container (1). The collection container (1) is connected to the opening (4) via one or more media lines (6, 7). According to the invention, at least one adapter (9, 10; 5) is provided for the optional attachment of a collection vessel (11) or at least one media line (12) in the area of ​​the opening (4). In this context, the adapter (9, 10; 5) functions as a basic component of such a modular distribution system (8; 9, 10; 13).