Cleanroom Transfer Mechanism With External Drive and Push Chain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices in cleanrooms require extensive cleaning efforts to maintain low germ loads due to their complex structure and difficult-to-access surfaces, making it challenging to meet hygienic requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sliding mechanism where the working element is located within the cleanroom, while the drive unit and most of the sliding mechanism are outside, enclosed by a germ-proof cover, with a push chain extending through a partition wall and a bellows to maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sliding mechanism is located inside the cleanroom, then the transfer device can move objects effectively, but the germ load increases and cleaning requirements become extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit and majority of the sliding mechanism are extracted from the cleanroom and positioned outside, with only the essential working element remaining inside. This separation removes the primary source of contamination from the sterile environment while preserving the transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism is segmented into two distinct parts: the working element that operates within the cleanroom and the drive unit that operates outside. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific environment, with the drive unit being accessible for maintenance and the working element maintaining sterility.
2Productivity
If the sliding mechanism components are increased for effective operation, then the transfer function improves, but the cleaning effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex drive unit with its multiple components is extracted from the cleanroom environment, placing it outside where extensive cleaning is not required. This allows the cleanroom portion to be simplified to only the essential working element, reducing cleaning complexity while maintaining transfer efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the push chain is enclosed by a bellows for germ protection, then hygiene standards are met, but friction and potential damage to the bellows occur
Solution Approach 1:
A bellows is used to create a flexible, germ-proof enclosure around the push chain. The bellows allows the push chain to move while maintaining the sterile barrier, protecting against germ contamination while accommodating the mechanical motion required for operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer device (14) for moving objects in a cleanroom (10). To create a transfer device (14) that reliably moves objects in a cleanroom (10) and that meets the hygienic requirements for a cleanroom (10) without requiring extensive cleaning, characterized by a working element (16) located in the cleanroom (10), a drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the cleanroom (10), a push chain (18a, 18b) operatively connected to the working element (16) and movable by the drive unit (20a, 20b), wherein the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the drive unit (20a, 20b) through a partition (12) of the cleanroom (10) to the working element (16) located in the cleanroom (10), wherein a first section of the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the working element (16) located inside the cleanroom (10) to a partition (12) of the cleanroom (10) is sufficientwhile a second section of the push chain (18a, 18b) extends from the partition (12) to the drive unit (20a, 20b) located outside the cleanroom (10) and is protected by a germ-proof cover over the first section of the push chain (18a, 18b) located in the cleanroom (10).