Modular Laboratory Support Frame with Tool-Free Rotatable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support frames for laboratory instruments are cumbersome due to large size, difficult to assemble, and pose safety risks from accidental collisions or spills of corrosive liquids, and current foldable frames require additional tools for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular support frame designed as a kit with interlocking parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled, featuring rotatable sleeves for compact storage and transportation, allowing for quick setup without tools, and includes a design that prevents liquids from flowing into the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a support frame is designed with a large size to accommodate and organize laboratory instruments, then the capability to support and organize instruments is improved, but the overall dimensions increase making transportation and storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple separable components including vertical uprights, horizontal bars, and connecting elements that can be disassembled into smaller parts for compact storage and transportation, yet reassembled to provide full instrument support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The frame components are designed to nest within each other when disassembled, with horizontal bars and connecting elements stored inside the vertical uprights or dedicated storage compartments, minimizing the volume required for transportation while maintaining full functionality when assembled
2Volume of moving object
If a foldable frame is used to reduce transportation size, then the volume for storage is reduced, but additional tools are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs self-assembling mechanisms where components connect through intuitive interlocking features such as snap-fit joints, friction-fit connections, or simple insertion into designated slots, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining compact foldable design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex folding mechanisms that require tools for assembly, the frame uses expandable or telescopic elements that naturally spring into place or lock automatically when extended, reversing the conventional approach where assembly requires active tool intervention
3Ease of operation
If pipes with dangerous liquids and power supply cables are placed on a bench for instrument connection, then the assembly process is simplified, but safety risks increase due to possible accidental collisions or spills
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides elevated platforms and organized routing channels that lift pipes and cables off the bench surface, arranging them in three-dimensional space along the frame structure, which prevents accidental spills from reaching the bench while maintaining easy access for connections
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the bench and the instruments, with dedicated channels and protected pathways that guide liquids and electricity away from hazardous zones, isolating dangerous elements from potential collision points while preserving operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The frame comprises a first part (2) resting on a plane and a second part (3) interlockingly fastened to the first part (2). The first part (2) comprises four vertical uprights (4a and 4b) and a plurality of internally hollow bodies defined by a sleeve with a vertical axis (5, 6, 7 and 8) housing a portion of the respective vertical upright (4a and 4b) and by a sleeve with a horizontal axis (5a, 6a, 7a and 8a) housing the axial end of a respective horizontal bar (13, 15 and 17). The sleeves with a vertical axis (5, 6, 7 and 8) are freely rotatable about the axis of the respective upright (4a and 4b) so that the first part (2) can take a configuration with reduced overall dimensions and a prismatic shaped configuration on which the second part (3) is arranged. The first part (2) defines an inner space housing a first instrument (9), the second part (3) supports a second instrument (10) and the faces of the first part (2) are shaped so as to allow the hooking and the arrangement of members and the passage of assembling means between the inner and outer instruments of the first part (2) and supported by the second part (3).