Articulated Container Lifter With Bellows Sealing for Clean Rooms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for lifting and rotating containers in clean room environments fail to provide effective sealing, leading to contamination risks due to flexible materials and exposed openings.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary support column and a mounting system featuring at least one articulated arm that pivots about a horizontal axis, utilizing electric drive motors and reduction gears for rotation and lifting, and sealed with stainless steel components to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cover is used to seal the lifting column, then the structure can accommodate movement, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to gas and liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible bellows structure made of stainless steel plates instead of traditional flexible covers. This bellows can expand and contract to accommodate the vertical movement of the mounting while maintaining gas-tight and liquid-tight sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between structural flexibility and sealing effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bellows structure is used to surround the lifting column, then movement is accommodated, but contamination risk increases due to multiple surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is constructed from stainless steel plates with smooth surfaces that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. The minimized number of surfaces and joints reduces areas where contaminants could accumulate, while the flexible structure still accommodates vertical movement of the mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows uses composite construction with stainless steel plates providing both flexibility and smooth, cleanable surfaces. This composite approach allows the structure to accommodate movement while minimizing contamination risks through its material properties.
3Ease of operation
If wall openings are created for connecting elements, then component movement is enabled, but clean room sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are integrated within the bellows structure itself, with the bellows expanding and contracting to accommodate their movement. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate wall openings, maintaining clean room sealing while enabling component movement.
4Power
If hydraulic drives are used for lifting and rotation, then powerful actuation is achieved, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic drives with electric drive motors that can be sealed within the bellows structure. This substitution reduces sealing complexity while maintaining adequate actuation power for lifting and rotating the mounting, as electric motors require simpler sealing arrangements compared to hydraulic systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for lifting and rotating containers in a clean room environment, includes a stationary support column, a mounting for receiving a container, and an articulated arm for connecting the mounting to the support column. The mounting may be moved up and down in relation to the support column and may be moved about a horizontal axis. At least one articulated arm is disposed between the mounting and the support column that pivots in relation to the support column about a horizontal axis away from an axis of rotation of the mounting.