Closed Transfer Coupler Probe With Cam Lock and Rinse Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical transfer systems face challenges in preventing spills and leaks during the transfer of hazardous chemicals, necessitating the use of closed transfer systems that can efficiently transport chemicals while minimizing exposure risks.
Innovation Solution
A probe for a closed transfer system with a probe body and tip, featuring channels and passageways, allowing for controlled fluid flow and integration with a coupler, along with a rotating rinse head for cleaning and a cam locking mechanism for secure container attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed transfer system is used to transport hazardous chemicals, then spill prevention and safety are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is nested within the coupler body, with the probe tip receiving into the coupler's probe tip receiving section. The container cap is nested within the coupler body and locked in place. This nesting arrangement allows multiple components to occupy the same space, reducing overall system footprint while maintaining the closed transfer system's safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the coupler body with locking mechanism, the probe assembly with separate tip, and the container cap with plug. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying assembly and maintenance of the overall system.
2Productivity
If a probe with multiple channels and passageways is used for controlled fluid flow, then chemical transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid flow functions are merged into the probe body through integrated channels and passageways. The probe body contains an inlet, outlet, and multiple internal channels that work together to enable controlled chemical transfer, rinsing, and purging operations through a single component, thereby improving transfer efficiency while consolidating manufacturing requirements.
3Reliability
If a cam locking mechanism is used for secure container attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the container cap to the coupler body when the cap is screwed into place. The cam arms engage with the locking surfaces through the threading action itself, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thus achieving high connection reliability with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for a closed transfer system, the probe including a probe body and a probe tip. The probe body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of channels. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet via at least one of the plurality of channels. The probe tip is located at a top end of the probe body and defines a first passageway. The first passageway is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of channels. The probe body is configured to be slidably moveable within a coupler body between a first position where the probe tip is received within the coupler body and a second position where the probe tip extends at least partially away from the coupler body to open a fluid flow path through the coupler body.