Robotic Processing Dock Frames for Standardized Lab Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high throughput screening systems in life sciences face inefficiencies due to non-standardized components, leading to increased costs, reduced system performance, and complexity in system design and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A robotic processing system with standardized dock frames and interchangeable modules, including mobile carts and stationary tables, that allow for repeatable positioning and simplified integration of laboratory instruments and storage systems, enhancing system performance and reducing build costs through modular design and automated integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized components are used in high throughput screening systems, then system design flexibility is improved, but system performance deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (mobile carts, stationary tables, processing stations) that can be independently designed and manufactured with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows flexibility in system configuration while maintaining consistent performance through standardized connection protocols and mechanical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interfaces are designed to be universal across different component types, allowing the same interface standard to serve multiple functions and component combinations. This universality enables design flexibility while ensuring consistent system performance through standardized interaction protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized components are used, then custom configuration capability is improved, but build costs increase and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules, each module can be manufactured independently using consistent processes and materials. This reduces tooling costs, simplifies supply chain management, and enables economies of scale while still allowing custom configurations through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces define specific geometric and functional parameters that remain constant across all components. By fixing these critical parameters, manufacturing complexity is reduced and costs are lowered, while non-critical parameters can still be varied to achieve custom configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized components are used, then system customization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture segments functionality into discrete, standardized modules with well-defined interfaces. This reduces design complexity by providing a structured framework for customization, where complex system behavior emerges from simple, standardized component interactions rather than from complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized interfaces act as intermediaries between different system components, providing a consistent protocol for communication and physical connection. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system design by abstracting away the complexity of direct component-to-component interactions and providing a uniform interface standard.
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized components are used, then unique system configuration is improved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into self-contained modules with standardized interfaces that define clear integration protocols. This segmentation enables unique system configurations to be assembled from standardized building blocks, reducing integration complexity compared to designing custom interfaces for each component combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces are designed to be universally compatible across different component types and configurations. This universality simplifies integration by providing a consistent connection and communication protocol that works across all system configurations, eliminating the need for custom integration solutions for each unique arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.