Closed-Chamber Liquid Dispensing With Robotic Nozzle Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dispensing liquids in closed chambers, such as isolators and cleanrooms, often require human intervention, which can lead to contamination and errors, especially in environments requiring high sterility like pharmaceutical industries.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a closed chamber with at least one rapid transfer port, a first container housing a dispensing system with multiple nozzles, and a robotic arm that minimizes human intervention by opening and closing the rapid transfer port, removing and reintroducing the nozzles, and positioning them for dispensing within the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually handle dispensing nozzles and operate within the closed chamber, then operational flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the risk of contamination and errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the operator and the closed chamber environment. The robotic arm performs all manual handling tasks including removing dispensing nozzles from the first container, positioning them at the dispensing location, and replacing them after use, thereby eliminating direct human contact with the sterile environment while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the working environment into two distinct zones: a sterile closed chamber and an external preparation area. The first container with dispensing nozzles is prepared outside the chamber, then transferred through a transfer port. This segmentation allows human operators to work in the non-sterile external area while the robotic arm handles the sterile internal environment
2Productivity
If multiple dispensing nozzles are manually positioned and handled, then dispensing coverage and productivity are improved, but the complexity of maintaining sterility and preventing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed as a universal manipulator capable of performing multiple functions: grasping dispensing nozzles, positioning them at various dispensing locations, replacing used nozzles, and handling the first container. This single multi-functional device replaces multiple manual operations while maintaining consistent sterility protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the robotic arm autonomously performs the complete sequence of operations: removing nozzles from the first container, positioning them for dispensing, and replacing them after use. The robotic arm follows pre-programmed instructions to maintain sterility without requiring continuous human intervention or monitoring
3Productivity
If rapid transfer ports are used to transfer components in and out of the closed chamber, then transfer speed and productivity are improved, but the risk of breaking the isolation barrier and causing contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing nozzles are pre-prepared and loaded into the first container outside the closed chamber in a non-sterile environment. The first container itself is designed to maintain sterility during storage and transport. This preliminary preparation allows rapid transfer through the port without compromising the isolation barrier, as the nozzles are already contained in a sterile vessel before transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing a liquid in a closed chamber includes at least one rapid transfer port in at least one wall of the closed chamber. In addition, a liquid is dispensed in a closed chamber that includes at least one rapid transfer port in at least one wall of the closed chamber.