Modular Laboratory Tabletop Layout for Robot Arm Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory tables with continuous surfaces are inadequate for accommodating tall apparatuses in automated systems, as they obstruct the movement of robot arms with pipette tips, and require complex modifications to accommodate varying equipment configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular laboratory table design featuring a frame with interchangeable tabletop elements, equipped with detent rails and clamping levers, allowing for customizable work surface configurations to accommodate different apparatuses and workflows, with secondary work levels that can be added below or above the main work level to minimize robot arm interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a continuous laboratory tabletop is used, then the work surface is stable and provides precise positioning, but tall apparatuses obstruct robot arm movements and require complex modifications to accommodate different equipment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous tabletop is divided into multiple interchangeable tabletop elements that can be selectively positioned on the frame. Each element can be independently installed or removed, allowing the work surface to be reconfigured for different equipment arrangements without modifying the entire table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabletop elements are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing users to change the work surface layout by replacing elements rather than permanently modifying the table. This dynamic adaptability enables the same base frame to support various experimental configurations.
2Ease of operation
If openings are sawn into the continuous tabletop to access apparatus below, then robot arms can access equipment, but the structural integrity and positioning precision of the tabletop is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting openings in a continuous surface, the tabletop is segmented into removable elements. Specific elements can be removed or replaced with transparent variants to create access points, maintaining the precision of the remaining solid surface for pipetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Transparent tabletop elements act as intermediaries, allowing robot arms to access apparatus below while maintaining a solid, precise work surface above. The transparent material enables visual alignment and positioning precision while permitting mechanical access through the element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tall apparatuses are placed on the work surface, then they can be accommodated, but they obstruct the movement of robot arms with pipette tips
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves tall apparatuses from the primary work surface level to secondary work levels below or above the main tabletop. This vertical dimensionality change allows robot arms to maintain unobstructed horizontal movement paths while tall equipment is positioned at different elevations on the same frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable elements, allowing the layout to be optimized for each specific experimental setup. Tall apparatuses can be accommodated by configuring elements to create secondary levels, while maintaining efficient robot arm pathways when not in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular tabletop element system is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of the frame structure and positioning mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented with standardized mounting locations and detent rails that simplify the positioning mechanism. Each tabletop element corresponds to a specific module type, reducing the complexity of the positioning system through standardization rather than requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed as a universal platform with standardized detent rails and mounting points that work with all tabletop elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for element-specific positioning mechanisms, simplifying the overall system despite its modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
A laboratory table has a frame with a front frame part and a rear frame part and replaceable tabletop elements positionable on the frame. A detent rail is arranged on the front or rear frame part, having detent openings. Each of these detent openings is for the insertion and sliding guiding of a detent bolt of a tabletop element. In addition, the tabletop elements has at least one detent bolt for insertion and sliding guiding in one of the detent openings of these detent rails. Each tabletop element has at least one fixing mechanism, which is spaced apart from the detent bolt, and which fixes the tabletop element in a locking position and holds the detent bolts, which are guided parallel to a plate axis of the tabletop element in the detent rail in a fixing position.