Slidable Laboratory Platform Reducing Horizontal Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated laboratory systems require a large horizontal footprint, limiting space for peripheral equipment and personnel, and often hinder safe and efficient access to instruments without compromising assay performance.
Innovation Solution
An automated laboratory system with a storage system featuring slidable or rotatable platforms and a robotic device, equipped with a locking mechanism, handle, indicators, and sensors to manage platform or tabletop positions and instrument status, allowing for reduced footprint and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional automated laboratory systems use fixed tabletops with robots positioned around instruments, then the system can accommodate all necessary instruments for automated assays, but the horizontal footprint becomes large, limiting space for peripheral equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed tabletops with movable platforms that can slide along tracks. The platforms are designed to move between a first position for robotic access and a second position for manual access, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. This enables the same physical space to serve different functions at different times, reducing the overall horizontal footprint while maintaining versatility for both automated and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by introducing vertical movement through track systems and platform elevation. Instead of expanding horizontally to accommodate more instruments or better access, the system moves instruments vertically and horizontally along tracks, utilizing three-dimensional space. This dimensional transition allows the system to maintain instrument accessibility while reducing the horizontal footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the robot needs access to instruments positioned around the robot, then sufficient horizontal space is required, but this leaves little space for peripheral equipment, laboratory personnel, and other automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic platforms that can reposition instruments between robotic work positions and manual access positions. During automated operation, instruments are positioned at the first location for optimal robotic access. When manual operation is needed, the platforms move instruments to the second location, providing ease of operation for both modes without requiring permanent large space allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the instrument access function into separate spatial zones: a first zone for robotic operation and a second zone for manual operation. By dividing the workspace into distinct segments that can be independently accessed, the system allows the robot to operate efficiently in its designated zone while leaving peripheral space available for other equipment and personnel.
3Device complexity
If instruments are positioned on fixed tabletops, then the system structure is simple, but laboratory personnel cannot safely and conveniently access instruments without compromising the performed assay
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic platform movement to resolve the contradiction between structural simplicity and safe access. The platforms can be locked in position during automated assays to maintain structural stability, and moved to safe positions when manual access is required. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its complexity level based on operational needs, providing both structural simplicity during automation and safe access during manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platforms serve as intermediaries between the robotic operation zone and the manual access zone. During automated assays, the platforms act as stable intermediaries that hold instruments securely. When manual access is needed, the platforms move as intermediary carriers to safe positions, allowing personnel to access instruments without compromising the assay integrity. The platforms mediate between the conflicting requirements of robotic precision and manual safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated laboratory system includes a storage system including a frame and a platform slidably mounted to the frame such that the platform is slidable relative to the frame between a docked position and an undocked position, the platform being configured to carry an instrument. The system also includes a robotic device proximate the storage system and being configured to access the instrument carried by the platform. Another automated laboratory system includes a storage system including a table and a tabletop having a central axis and being rotatably positioned on the table such that the tabletop is rotatable about the central axis between a docked position and an undocked position, the tabletop being configured to carry an instrument. The system also includes a robotic device proximate the storage system and being configured to access the instrument carried by the tabletop.