Clamping Device Sealing for Isolator Hygiene
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container holding devices are unsuitable for isolator technology, as they risk transferring fluids or particles between clean and gray rooms due to their design, compromising hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a sealing element that creates a hermetic seal between the shaft and mounting element, using a tubular or elastomeric design to prevent fluid and particle transfer, allowing for cyclic movements and axial strokes while maintaining a long service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional container holding device is used, then the device structure is simple, but fluids or particles can transfer between clean and gray rooms, compromising hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing element as an intermediary component between the shaft and the mounting element. This sealing element acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact and fluid/particle transfer between the clean room and gray room sides, while still allowing the shaft to pivot and perform its clamping function. The sealing element mediates between the mechanical movement requirement and the hygiene requirement.
2Reliability
If a sealing system is added to prevent fluid transfer, then hygiene is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealing element in the form of a flexible seal (such as an O-ring or similar sealing profile) that is inserted into a sealing groove in the mounting element. This flexible seal creates an effective barrier against fluid and particle transfer while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation. The flexibility of the seal allows it to accommodate the pivoting motion of the shaft without requiring complex mechanical joints.
3Reliability
If a radial shaft seal is used for cyclic movements, then sealing is achieved, but service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sealing solution to dynamically adapt to the pivoting motion of the shaft. The sealing element is positioned and dimensioned to allow the shaft to rotate within a certain angular range while maintaining continuous sealing contact. The sealing groove and seal geometry are optimized to accommodate the dynamic movement without causing excessive wear or loss of sealing effectiveness, thereby extending service life under cyclic operating conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (10) for holding containers (B) for a container transport and/or container handling device. The clamping device (10) comprises a clamping arm (12) for holding a container (B), a shaft (16) connected to the clamping arm (12) for pivoting the clamping arm (12), and a mounting element (20) for mounting the clamping device (10). The mounting element (20) has a shaft passage (42) through which the shaft (16) extends. The clamping device (10) further comprises a sealing element (22) arranged coaxially with the shaft (16) and sealing between the shaft (16) and the mounting element (20).