Multi-Part Support Element for Modular Transport Plane Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular transport planes face challenges in maintaining reliable alignment of neighboring driving surface assemblies due to misalignments caused by manufacturing, assembly, and thermal expansion, which affect the stability and precision of specimen container movement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part support element with a connection structure featuring interlocking hook and eye elements allows for a floating connection between upper and lower parts, enabling alignment of driving surface assemblies despite misalignments, and includes a design that supports base plate and actuator assemblies to distribute forces and accommodate thermal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed connection is used to connect base plate assemblies, then structural stability is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to thermal expansion and manufacturing misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into two separate parts: a lower part that connects to base plate assemblies and an upper part that supports driving surface assemblies. These parts are connected through a connection structure that allows relative movement, enabling the system to accommodate thermal expansion and misalignments while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure between the lower and upper parts is designed to change its physical state from rigid to flexible under certain conditions. The interlocking elements can slide relative to each other, allowing the connection to adapt to thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining alignment precision while preserving structural stability.
2Strength
If a fixed rigid structure is used for support elements, then mechanical strength is improved, but adaptability to thermal changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow the upper and lower parts to move relative to each other in response to thermal changes. The interlocking hook and eye elements can slide along guide surfaces, providing a dynamic adaptation mechanism that maintains mechanical strength while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision alignment features are added to accommodate misalignments, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is designed to self-align and self-adjust through the interaction of its geometric features. The interlocking hook and eye elements with guide surfaces automatically compensate for misalignments during assembly and operation, eliminating the need for additional precision alignment features or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution ensures stable and precise alignment of transport module units, maintaining efficient specimen container movement and handling, even under conditions of thermal expansion or contraction, while providing a seal against liquid spillage and facilitating easy liquid collection.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a reliable alignment of neighboring driving surface assemblies, even on misalignment of a support structure or base plate assemblies and/or thermal expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support element for a modular transport plane with a plurality of transport module units (1) each comprising a driving surface assembly (4), wherein the support element has an upper support surface (55) configured to support the driving surface assemblies (4) of at least two neighboring transport module units (1), wherein the upper support surface (55) is provided with driving surface assembly interfaces (56) configured to engage with complementary interfaces of the supported driving surface assemblies (4), wherein the support element comprises a lower part (50) having a mounting structure and an upper part (51) having the upper support surface (55), wherein the upper part (51) is connected lengthwise to the lower part (50) via a connection structure (52), and wherein the connection structure (52) is configured to restrain a relative movement between the lower part (50) and the upper part (51) in the longitudinal direction of the support element and to allow a limited relative movement between the lower part (50) and the upper part (51) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support element.. The invention further relates to a modular transport plane, to a laboratory distribution system, and to a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory distribution system.