Beta Container Functional Element for Protected Object Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer systems for barrier systems, particularly isolators, face challenges in structural design, object transfer efficiency, and operational safety, especially regarding the need to avoid contact with the 'ring of concern' during object transfer between beta containers and isolators.

Innovation Solution

A functional element is introduced for the beta container system, which is arranged within the beta port opening and reduces the outlet cross-section, allowing objects to be transferred without direct contact with the 'ring of concern' by using a smaller functional element opening that is concentrically aligned with the beta port, thus bridging the contact area safely and efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If objects are transferred through the beta port opening, then transfer efficiency is improved, but contact with the 'ring of concern' increases contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A functional element is introduced as an intermediary component within the beta port opening. This functional element creates a protected transfer path that mediates between the internal volume and the external environment, allowing objects to be transferred while preventing direct contact with the ring of concern. The functional element acts as a barrier that maintains the sterile environment while enabling efficient object transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the beta port opening is used for object transfer, then transfer speed is improved, but the contact area with contaminated surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidcontact area with contaminated surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beta port opening is segmented into different functional zones by introducing the functional element. This segmentation creates a dedicated transfer path that separates the high-speed transfer route from the contaminated surfaces. The functional element divides the port opening into an inner protected zone and an outer interface zone, allowing rapid transfer through the inner zone while minimizing contact with the outer contaminated surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a functional element is added to reduce contact with the ring of concern, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination riskVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional element is designed as a flexible component that can be easily integrated into the existing beta container system. The flexible nature of the functional element allows it to be formed as a thin barrier that minimizes structural complexity while effectively preventing contact with the ring of concern. The flexible design enables simple manufacturing and easy integration without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20250289606A1Functional element, beta container system, transfer system and barrier system
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 GRONINGER GMBH & CO KG
  • US20250289606A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289606A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289606A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A functional element for a beta container system, wherein the functional element has a functional element opening. The functional element opening is smaller than a beta port opening of a beta port of a beta container of the beta container system. The functional element can be arranged on the beta container in a defined arrangement, the functional element is arranged at least partially in the beta port opening in the defined arrangement, and a bag of the beta container is arranged in the defined arrangement between the beta port and the functional element. A beta container system for a transfer system, a transfer system, and a barrier system, in particular an isolator system, are also disclosed.