Glovebox Manipulator Sheath With Rotatable Hermetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective sheaths for inserting manipulator arms into gloveboxes face issues such as reduced sensitivity and dexterity of the effector, risk of tearing, and limited freedom of movement due to their design, which impairs the manipulation of elements within the glovebox.

Innovation Solution

A protective sheath with a flexible and hermetic sleeve, a support ring for sealing to the glovebox enclosure, and an end piece with an infinitely rotatable coupling that allows for easy connection and disconnection of the manipulator arm and effector, while maintaining a sealed environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective sheath completely covers the robotic arm and effector, then the manipulator arm is protected against the confined atmosphere, but the freedom of movement of the robotic arm and effector is greatly impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of manipulator armVSAvoidfreedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sheath is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other, allowing the effector to rotate and the robotic arm to move freely while maintaining atmospheric separation. The segmented design enables differential movement between sections without compromising the hermetic seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sheath transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that can adapt its shape and accommodate movements. The flexible material allows the sheath to deform and rotate with the effector while maintaining structural integrity and hermetic sealing throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the protective sheath forms a wall between the effector and the element, then the effector is protected, but the sensitivity and dexterity of the effector are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of effectorVSAvoidsensitivity of effector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sheath utilizes a thin, flexible membrane that provides atmospheric separation while being sufficiently transparent and compliant to allow the effector to sense and interact with objects inside the glovebox. The thin film construction minimizes interference with force feedback and tactile sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the protective sheath is in direct contact with elements in the glovebox, then the atmosphere is sealed, but the risk of tearing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic barrierVSAvoidresistance to tearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The design incorporates a coupling mechanism that creates a small clearance between the effector and the protective sheath, preventing direct contact and potential tearing. This cushioning space allows the sheath to maintain hermetic sealing while avoiding concentrated stresses that could lead to tears during manipulation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the protective sheath rotates simultaneously with the effector, then the sealing is maintained, but the risk of winding and tearing is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal maintenanceVSAvoidresistance to winding stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sheath is segmented into multiple sections that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the effector to rotate for screwing and unscrewing operations while the sheath segments accommodate the rotation without winding or twisting, maintaining the hermetic seal throughout the rotation range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enhances the sensitivity and dexterity of the effector, minimizes the risk of tearing the protective sheath, and allows for greater freedom of movement of the manipulator arm, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of manipulating elements within the glovebox.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible sleeve ensures that a controlled atmosphere is maintained within the enclosure by forming a hermetic barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 2

a coupling fitted into the end piece ring and being infinitely rotatable about the central axis of the end piece ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250196374A1Protective sheath for inserting a manipulator arm connected in a sealed manner to an effector housed in the confined enclosure of a glovebox, and associated glovebox

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 GETINGE LIFE SCI FRANCE

AI summary

A protective sheath for inserting a manipulator arm into a glovebox, including a sealed coupling for removably fastening and connecting the manipulator arm, which is engaged in the protective sheath, to an effector, which is housed in the confined enclosure of a glovebox.