Closed Chemical Transfer Metering With Robotic Seal Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed transfer systems lack integrated metering devices for precise dispensing of hazardous chemicals and do not include robotic manipulators for automated container handling, leading to challenges in meeting ISO 21191 requirements for safe and accurate chemical transfer.
Innovation Solution
A closed transfer system with metered dispensing incorporates a robotic manipulator, a controller, and integrated flow paths for precise metering and automated container handling, including a flow meter or positive-displacement pump, and features like a lock mechanism, inlet and outlet valves, and sensors for safety and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional open systems with manual dispensing are used, then flexibility and ease of access are improved, but product contamination and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic arm with gripper as an intermediary between the human operator and the product container. The robotic arm performs automated picking, opening, and dispensing operations, eliminating direct human contact with the product while maintaining operational flexibility. The gripper specifically designed for container engagement enables precise control without contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated metered dispensing where the robotic arm independently performs the complete sequence of operations: locating the container, opening the lid, dispensing the exact required amount, and reclosing the container. This automation eliminates manual intervention while maintaining product integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated robotic arms are used, then product contamination is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple operations: gripping the container, opening the lid, dispensing the product, and reclosing the container. This consolidation of functions into a single robotic system reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate automated devices for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback on container position, lid status, and dispensing completion. This feedback mechanism enables the robotic arm to adjust its operations in real-time, ensuring precise control without requiring complex manual programming or oversight.
3Loss of substance
If metered dispensing is implemented, then waste is reduced, but dispensing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed to dispense slightly more than the exact required amount, then retract and allow gravity to drain the excess back into the container. This partial dispensing approach ensures complete product utilization without requiring extremely precise metering mechanisms, thereby reducing waste while maintaining acceptable precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing operation is performed in periodic cycles: the robotic arm dispenses a controlled amount, retracts, allows gravity to return excess product, then repeats the cycle until the container is empty. This periodic operation enables accurate metering over time while accommodating variations in individual dispensing events.
4Ease of operation
If containers are kept open for access, then ease of dispensing is improved, but product spoilage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm performs preliminary actions by opening the container lid before dispensing and automatically reclosing it immediately after dispensing is complete. This preliminary opening followed by immediate reclosing minimizes the time the container remains exposed, preserving product freshness while enabling easy dispensing during the brief open period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous protection of the product by keeping the container closed throughout storage and transport, then opening it only for the brief duration necessary to perform dispensing, and immediately reclosing it. This continuous protective action minimizes exposure time and prevents product spoilage while maintaining dispensing accessibility when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A closed transfer system (10, 300) for dispensing hazardous material from a storage container includes a container-mounting interface (12), a lock (16) for retaining the storage container engaged with the interface, a robotic manipulator for opening and closing the internal seal, and a metering device (20) for metering a flow of liquid. A controller (36) actuates the robotic manipulator to open the internal seal. It then opens an outlet valve (34), dispenses a metered quantity of liquid and closes the outlet valve. The robotic manipulator then closes the internal seal, and an inlet valve (24) and the outlet valve are opened to flush the hazardous material from the system. The system operates in modes for dispensing both part of a container's contents and for emptying the contents fully.