Integrated Glove Port Integrity Testing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for testing the integrity of gloves and glove ports in isolators do not adequately assess the connection between the glove and the glove port, leading to false positives and inefficiencies in testing.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes the glove, the sealing between the glove and the glove port, and the sealing between the glove port and the isolator wall within a single integrated test space, using an adaptable housing with a fan as a pressure generating unit and a vacuum port for secure connection, along with a controller for automated testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the known testing device is used to test glove integrity, then the testing process is simple, but the connection between the glove and the glove port is not tested leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the glove, glove port connection, and isolator wall sealing into a single integrated inner space for testing. This allows all three components to be tested simultaneously in one operation, eliminating false positives while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the adaptor interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component that connects the housing to the isolator wall and enables the formation of the integrated inner space. This mediator allows the testing system to include previously untestable components without requiring complete redesign of the entire testing device.
2Productivity
If separate tests are performed for glove sealing and isolator wall sealing, then each test can be optimized, but the total testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing tests (glove-to-glove port and glove port-to-isolator wall) into a single integrated test procedure. By pressurizing one unified inner space that encompasses all sealings, the system achieves comprehensive testing in one operation rather than requiring sequential separate tests, thereby improving productivity while reducing total testing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is designed for a specific glove port size, then the device can be optimized for that size, but it cannot test other sizes leading to increased idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection interface by introducing a removable adaptor that interfaces between the housing and the isolator wall. This allows the main housing to remain standardized while different adaptors can be attached to accommodate various glove port sizes and configurations, enabling the device to test multiple sizes without requiring complete housing redesign or increasing idle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with universal compatibility through the adaptor interface, allowing a single housing design to work with multiple glove port sizes and types. The adaptor acts as the variable component that adapts the universal housing to specific applications, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing device idle time across different testing scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces false positives, increases testing efficiency, and lowers costs by allowing a single integrated test, reducing idle time, and enhancing the availability and maintenance of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference is applied to the inner space
Implementation Method 2
at least one vacuum port for securing respectively the housing or the adaptor to the wall of the isolator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for testing the sealing/integrity of gloves and glove ports of a separative device such as an isolator or similar device. The device comprises: - a housing; - a sealing element that is operatively connected to the housing and that is configured for sealingly connecting the device with a wall of the isolator in which the glove port is positioned; - a pressure generating unit; and - a measuring unit; wherein the device is placeable over a glove port of an isolator and wherein, in use, the device, the wall of the isolator, the glove and the glove port form an inner space that is substantially hermetically sealed.