Floating Connector Retainer for Axial Misalignment in Robotic Mating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell therapy manufacturing processes are labor-intensive, inefficient, and not scalable, leading to low throughput, high production costs, and significant challenges in achieving industrial scale due to operator variability, equipment underutilization, and inflexibility in closed system solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of apparatuses with a floating, non-rotating design that accommodates axial misalignment and converts industry standard connectors into robotic-compatible connectors, utilizing robotic end-of-arm tools for automated connections and flexible manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If labor-based manual processes are used for cell therapy manufacturing, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and throughput remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system with specialized end-of-arm tools as an intermediary between human operators and manufacturing equipment. The robotic system performs automated connector mating operations, transferring batches between bioreactors, processors, and storage systems without direct human manipulation of connectors, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining process control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with customized end-of-arm tools substitutes human hands and tools for connector mating operations, enabling consistent, repeatable automated connections while eliminating operator variability and increasing manufacturing throughput
2Manufacturing precision
If highly skilled operators are employed for manual manufacturing processes, then operational precision and quality control are maintained, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with self-contained end-of-arm tools that automatically perform connector mating operations. The system serves itself by autonomously navigating to equipment, grasping connectors, and completing mating operations without requiring highly skilled operators to perform these repetitive tasks, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the manufacturing system into distinct functional modules: robotic manipulation system, end-of-arm tools, connector designs, and equipment interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the robotic system handling automated operations and specialized connectors designed for robotic grasping, thereby reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Reliability
If closed system solutions are implemented for cell therapy manufacturing, then sterility and product safety are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal connectors with standardized interfaces that can be used across different bioreactor and processing equipment types while maintaining closed system sterility. The robotic end-of-arm tools are designed to handle multiple connector types through interchangeable grippers, enabling the system to adapt to different equipment configurations without compromising sterility or requiring system reconfiguration
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used in automated robotic systems, then compatibility with existing equipment is maintained, but automated grasping and manipulation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies connectors by adding specific local features such as grasping surfaces, alignment pins, and standardized geometries at critical locations. These localized modifications enable robotic grippers to reliably grasp and manipulate connectors while maintaining compatibility with existing equipment interfaces, thereby solving the contradiction between connector compatibility and automated manipulation ease
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a port body for holding a first device and a retainer for retaining the port body. The port body includes a base, a stem extending from the base, and one or more first anti-rotation members disposed at the base. The retainer includes first and second retaining members, with the base of the port body disclosed in between. A through-hole larger than the stem of the port body is formed at the first retaining member, allowing the stem to pass through and to move relative to the first retaining member. One or more second anti-rotation members are disposed at the first or second retaining member and coupled with the one or more first anti-rotation members. The retainer restricts the port body from rotating but allows it to move translationally relative to the retainer to accommodate axial misalignment when connecting the first device with a second device.