Articulation Drive System for Freeze-Drying Chamber Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems in freeze-drying apparatuses require significant space, lead to contamination due to lubricant use, and result in increased abrasion, which complicates maintaining clean room conditions during container loading and unloading processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular drive system with an articulation system using rigid elements connected in an articulated manner, allowing for the transmission of pressure and tractive forces over long distances without abrasion, and featuring detachable housings for independent cleaning and sterilization, minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a spindle drive or toothed rack is used, then the drive system can transmit forces effectively, but it requires a lot of space and has narrow indentations that require long sterilization periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission capabilityVSAvoiddrive system space

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is divided into modular components: a drive unit with motor and pulley, and separate articulation elements (links and joints) that form the transmission mechanism. This segmentation allows compact arrangement of components and eliminates the need for large continuous spaces required by traditional spindle or rack systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Pulleys and belts are introduced as intermediary elements to transmit force between the drive unit and the articulation system. This intermediary mechanism provides flexible force transmission over long distances without requiring narrow recesses or complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing space requirements and eliminating sterilization issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If traditional drive systems are used, then force transmission is achieved, but lubricants must be used which lead to contamination and require dry operation resulting in increased abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidcontamination from lubricants and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems that require lubrication (spindles, toothed racks) with an articulation system based on rigid links connected by joints. This substitution eliminates the need for lubricants entirely, preventing contamination while maintaining effective force transmission through the articulated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by eliminating lubrication requirements through the use of an articulated mechanism with joints that can operate without lubricants. This parameter change (from lubricated to unlubricated operation) prevents contamination while the articulation design ensures smooth motion transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the drive system components are fixed and integrated, then the structure is stable, but cleaning and sterilization require disassembly and are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcleaning and sterilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is designed as modular components (drive unit, articulation elements, housing) that can be easily separated. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed, cleaned, and sterilized without disassembling the entire apparatus, significantly improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable and detachable elements that transition between fixed operational positions and removable maintenance positions. The articulation links and joints are designed to be easily detached for cleaning and reassembled for operation, providing dynamic adaptability between stable operation and easy maintenance states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the articulation system operates continuously, then productivity is maintained, but abrasion particles can reach the product vicinity causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidabrasion particle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional continuous-contact mechanical drives with an articulation system where rigid links are connected through joints that minimize friction and wear. This substitution maintains continuous operation capability while dramatically reducing abrasion particle generation, thereby preventing contamination in the product vicinity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of continuous operation causing wear into a benefit by designing joints and links that minimize abrasion through proper geometry and material selection. The articulation design ensures that motion transmission occurs with minimal contact stress, turning the continuous operation requirement into an opportunity to demonstrate low-wear design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS7695230B2Apparatus for loading and unloading freeze-drying chambers

Publication Date: 2010.04.13 GEA LYOPHIL

AI summary

An apparatus having a supporting surface (3) for containers (4) and a device for loading and unloading the containers (4) onto the supporting surface (3). The device has a component (11) for unloading the containers from the supporting surface and a drive unit (12) for facilitating movement of the component (11) relative to a supporting surface (3).