Freeze-Dryer Loading Apparatus Using Nested Chain Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movement apparatuses for loading and unloading containers in freeze-dryers are bulky, increasing the size and maintenance costs of freeze-dryers, and pose contamination risks due to their size and non-sterile design.
Innovation Solution
A compact movement apparatus using rigid interlocking chain linear actuators and flexible containment elements to precisely and efficiently move containers within and outside the freeze-dryer, reducing the overall size and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If pneumatic or hydraulic barrels are used to move containers through the freeze drying chamber, then the containers can be moved for the whole depth of the shelf, but the loading/unloading apparatus becomes particularly bulky and increases the size of the freeze-dryer
Solution Approach 1:
The push bar is retractably received within the housing of the movement apparatus. When not in use, the push bar is nested inside the housing, minimizing the external dimensions of the apparatus. When operation is required, the push bar extends outward to provide the full stroke length needed to move containers across the shelf depth. This nesting approach allows the apparatus to have a compact footprint while maintaining the necessary operational reach.
2Reliability
If loading/unloading apparatuses are placed inside sterile chambers, then sterility requirements are met, but the apparatuses increase the overall size and construction/maintenance costs of the freeze-dryer
Solution Approach 1:
The movement apparatus is designed with a housing that is at least partially received outside the freeze drying chamber, with only the necessary portions (such as the push bar when extended) penetrating into the sterile environment. This extraction approach allows the bulk of the apparatus to be located in the non-sterile external environment, reducing the volume of the sterile chamber required while still maintaining sterility where containers are handled. The housing can be sealed to prevent contamination, and the push bar can be designed to minimize exposure to the sterile environment.
3Device complexity
If the push bar is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the push bar cannot engage containers at different positions along the shelf depth
Solution Approach 1:
The push bar is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the push bar to adapt to different operational requirements: when extended, it can engage containers at various positions along the shelf depth and provide full stroke length for movement; when retracted, it minimizes the apparatus footprint. The movability is achieved through mechanisms such as telescopic sections, hinges, or linear actuators that allow the push bar to extend and retract while maintaining structural integrity and precise control.
Data Source
AI summary
A movement apparatus for loading/unloading containers (100) into/from a freeze-dryer (50) provided with a freeze drying chamber (51) that has at least one shelf (52) for receiving and supporting containers (100), comprising a push bar (2) to push the containers (100) and a movement arrangement (3) for moving the push bar (2) through the freeze drying chamber (51) along a direction of movement (A); the movement arrangement (3) comprises at least one rigid interlocking chain linear actuator (4) that has a first movement rigid interlocking chain (43) mobile along the direction of movement (A) and provided with a first operating end (14) connected to the push bar (2).