Modular Laboratory Workstation Kit Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory workstations for handling and amplifying DNA and RNA are cumbersome and costly due to their pre-assembled nature, which limits transportability, storage space, and increases contamination risks, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for assembly and storage.

Innovation Solution

A modular kit comprising unassembled components that can be assembled tool-free, featuring connectors for secure, fluid-tight connections, allowing for space-saving storage and transport, and enabling on-site assembly with manual force, thus reducing contamination risks and storage costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If workstations are provided as pre-assembled overall systems, then the workstation is ready for immediate use, but transport costs increase and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation is divided into separate modular components (housing elements, cover attachment, connectors) that can be stored individually in a space-efficient manner and assembled on-site without tools, thereby reducing storage volume requirements while maintaining operational readiness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If workstations are provided as pre-assembled overall systems, then the workstation is ready for immediate use, but transport costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidtransport costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation is segmented into separate components that can be transported in a compact, space-efficient configuration and assembled on-site using tool-free connectors, reducing transport volume and associated costs while ensuring operational readiness upon assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If workstations are provided as pre-assembled overall systems, then the workstation is ready for immediate use, but transportability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidtransportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation is divided into transportable modular components with standardized connectors, enabling easy transportation in various configurations and facilitating on-site assembly without tools, thereby enhancing transportability while maintaining operational readiness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If connectors are designed for tool-free connection, then assembly is simplified and can be performed with manual force, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connectors are designed with self-aligning and self-locking features that enable tool-free assembly through manual force while automatically ensuring reliable, fluid-tight connections without requiring additional tools or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3643405A1Kit for the tool-less construction of a laboratory work station
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP3643405A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643405A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643405A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Kit (1) for a workstation (10) for the laboratory area with a workspace, in particular for handling and amplification as well as modification of DNA and RNA, comprising several unassembled components (20) from which the workstation (10) can be assembled without tools, and connectors (50) for connecting at least two components (20) without tools, wherein the components (20) comprise a cover (30) and housing elements (40), wherein the housing elements (40) comprise a base plate (410), a wall element (420) and a front cover (430) with an adjustable working opening.