Biotech Elevator, Catwalk, and Airlock

Structural Alignment Challenge

The elevator had to span a hallway, requiring separate setups for the catwalk and both sides of the elevato, demanding precise alignment between the Magnemotion track and components. Re:Build DAPR’s design and engineering ensured precise alignment. Custom-designed 304 stainless steel structures, including the elevator frame and catwalk, were welded together. The use of 2270mm belt-driven Macron Dynamic actuators provided reliable lifting capabilities, addressing the alignment challenge of the Magnemotion track within millimeters.

Enclosed Design Complexity

The entire elevator and airlock design had to be enclosed to prevent environmental contamination. A custom-designed see-through EPDM insulated panels enclosed the elevator, with gaskets bolted to the elevator and catwalk provided a solution to the enclosure complexity.

Precision Locator Adaptation Solution

Adapting the precision locator for corner locating labware due to space constraints in the airlock. The team created a custom-designed precision locating mechanism featuring an L-shaped push plate machined for attachment to pneaumatic precision actuators. This design facilitated labware positioning against hard stops, enabling the 6-axis collaborative robot to pick up the labware reliably.

Successes

This integrated elevator and airlock system successfully transferred tube racks between Pre-PCR and Post-PCR labs, maintaining environmental isolation. The precision locator adaptation and structural design enhancements ensured reliable labware handling and precise alignment. As a result, the system achieved significant throughput gains, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and minimizing the risk of errors. The optimized design and automation led to enhanced operational efficiency, streamlining the laboratory workflow, and contributing to a more robust and reliable testing process.