Parallel Slide Link Positioning Assembly for Compact Lab Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning assemblies for laboratory devices, such as pipettes, are bulky due to their large size relative to the travel range, which increases the overall size of laboratory apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A compact positioning assembly with a base and holder part connected via a displaceable slide link and a coupling arrangement, allowing linear displacement along a longitudinal axis, enabling the holder to retract and extend while maintaining parallel alignment, thus minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional positioning assemblies are used to provide linear travel for laboratory devices, then the required travel range is achieved, but the overall size and space occupation of the assembly becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The holder part is nested within the base part when retracted, with the slide link providing a compact connection mechanism. The parallel arrangement of base part and holder part allows them to overlap significantly in the retracted position, minimizing the overall longitudinal dimension while maintaining the full travel range capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the base part and holder part are arranged parallel to each other and connected via a displaceable slide link, then the assembly achieves enhanced compactness, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement merges the motion of the slide link with the motion of the holder part through a coordinated mechanism involving three elements (first element on base part, second element on holder part, third element on slide link). This integration allows the displacement of the slide link to directly cause displacement of the holder part in the same linear direction, achieving compactness without excessive complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2e
AI summary
The present invention defines a positioning assembly including a base part (110) and a holder part (120) for holding a device, whereby the assembly further includes a motor (160) for driving a displacement mechanism (150) mounted to the base part. The base part and the holder part are arranged parallel to each other and are connected via a displaceable slide link (140), which is configured to slide on a first guide rail (111) provided on the base part and on a second guide rail (122) provided on the holder part, whereby each guide rail extends in longitudinal direction (z). The slide link (140) is coupled to the displacement mechanism (150), which causes displacement of the slide link relative to the base part in longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the holder part (120) is moveably coupled to the base part (110) via a coupling arrangement which has a first element (115) provided on the base part, a second element (125) provided on the holder part and a third element provided on the slide link (140). The first, second and third elements of the coupling arrangement are configured to engage with each other such that linear displacement of the slide link (140) relative to the base part (110) in one direction causes linear displacement of the holder part (120) relative to the slide link in the same linear direction.