Dual Pivot Transfer Plates for Freeze Dryer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading and unloading devices for product treatment facilities, such as freeze dryers, face challenges in ease of cleaning, space efficiency, and risk of contamination due to the design of pivotable transfer plates that require movement under product feed devices, complicating maintenance and increasing the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual pivotable transfer plate system where both plates can be pivoted into a coplanar rest position, avoiding contact with the product feed device and allowing for reduced space usage, facilitating cleaning and maintenance by being easily accessible, and providing a protective barrier against heat and accidental contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer plate is moved under the product feed device to close the loading opening, then the door can be closed for treatment, but cleaning and maintenance of the transfer plate becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the transfer plate under the product feed device as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by designing a second transfer plate that pivots in the opposite direction. This allows the transfer plates to remain accessible for cleaning and maintenance while still enabling the door to close properly for treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the single transfer plate function into two separate transfer plates. The first transfer plate handles the primary loading function, while the second transfer plate is specifically designed to pivot away from the loading opening to enable door closure. This segmentation allows each plate to have optimized movement characteristics.
2Device complexity
If a single transfer plate is used to bridge the product feed device and loading opening, then the structure is simple, but the space required for door closure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the transfer function into two separate plates, the invention creates a system where the second plate can pivot independently to clear the door path. This segmentation resolves the space conflict while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The second transfer plate utilizes a different spatial dimension by pivoting in a direction that clears the door opening area. This dimensional approach allows both the transfer function and door closure function to coexist without spatial conflict.
3Ease of operation
If the transfer plate is positioned to allow door closure, then the door can be closed, but the transfer plate contacts the product feed device increasing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by having the second transfer plate pivot in the opposite direction from the product feed device rather than moving under it. This inversion eliminates contact between the transfer plates and the product feed device, reducing contamination risk while still enabling door closure.
4Ease of repair
If the transfer plate is made accessible for cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but the door cannot be closed for treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the transfer plate system dynamic by introducing a second plate that can pivot between different positions. During operation, it provides door closure; during maintenance, it can be positioned to be easily accessible. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between accessibility and operational functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The loading and unloading unit (10) comprises a treatment chamber (14), a loading opening (16) for the treatment chamber, a door for closing the loading opening, and a storage space (20) arranged in the treatment chamber in a discharge plane (22). A transfer plate (26) is provided, which is arranged around a swiveling axis (28) swiveling against the loading plane. Another transfer plate (30) is provided, which is arranged around another swiveling axis (32) swiveling against the former transfer plate.