Adjustable Spacer Assembly for Biplanar Cleaning Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-planar cleaning tools lack flexibility and efficiency in adjusting spacing between planar elements, making them less effective for cleaning lyophilizers with varied shelf spacings.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable spacer assemblies, such as concentric cylinders and telescoping structures, allows for customizable spacing between planar elements, enabling precise adjustment and reliable support for cleaning tools, including the use of springs and locking elements for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spacing between planar elements is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying shelf spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly incorporates movable structures that allow dynamic adjustment of the spacing between planar elements. The first and second structures can be selectively moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis to change the spacing between planar elements, transforming a static fixed-spacing design into a dynamic adjustable-spacing design that adapts to different shelf configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer assembly is divided into separate movable structures (first structure and second structure) that can independently adjust relative to each other. This segmentation allows the spacing to be modified by moving individual components rather than replacing the entire spacer, enabling adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable spacer assemblies are added, then adaptability to varying shelf spacings is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly uses nested cylindrical structures where the second structure is positioned within or adjacent to the first structure. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of the adjustable mechanism and enables spacing adjustment through relative movement of nested components, achieving customizable spacing while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable structures in the spacer assembly act as intermediaries between the planar elements and the adjustment mechanism. These intermediate structures facilitate spacing adjustment through controlled movement while isolating the complexity of the adjustment mechanism from the main cleaning tool body, thereby improving adaptability with limited impact on overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable structures are used for adjusting spacing, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly is pre-configured with movable structures that can be selectively positioned before use. The first and second structures can be moved to the desired spacing configuration and then locked in place, allowing the cleaning tool to adapt to different shelf spacings while maintaining stable positioning during the cleaning operation. The preliminary arrangement of movable structures enables both adjustability and operational stability.
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
This solution provides greater flexibility and efficiency in cleaning lyophilizers by allowing the cleaning tool to adapt to varying shelf spacings, ensuring thorough cleaning and maintaining reliable support configurations, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The spring or biasing element may be a coil spring or compression spring, for example
Implementation Method 2
The first and second structures are slidable or movable relative to each other, such as with the first and second structure surfaces sliding along each other
Data Source
AI summary
A biplanar cleaning tool includes adjustable spacers having nested, telescoping or concentric bosses providing for adjustability of the spacing between planar elements of the biplanar cleaning tool.