Leaktight Joining Device With Single Ring Gear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aseptic transfer systems for biopharmaceutical products between containers and closed chambers are complex, prone to manipulation errors, and difficult to automate due to multiple independent actuation mechanisms, leading to potential contamination and increased manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A leaktight joining device with a single annular functional ring gear that mechanically links clamping, unlocking, and locking mechanisms, simplifying the operation and reducing the risk of errors by integrating these functions into a single part, allowing for intuitive and efficient aseptic transfer while maintaining the integrity of the biopharmaceutical products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuation mechanisms (pushbutton for clamping, lever for unlocking) are used, then the joining device can perform complex functions, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple sequential manipulations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent actuation mechanisms (pushbutton for clamping, lever for unlocking) into a single integrated actuator that performs both clamping and unlocking functions through one continuous motion. This merging eliminates the need for separate controls while maintaining all necessary functions, directly resolving the contradiction between functional capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the clamping mechanism to secure the container, then subsequently actuates the unlocking mechanism to release the seal. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuation mechanisms are used, then specific functions can be performed independently, but ease of operation worsens due to risk of manipulation errors from sequential actions
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is mechanically designed to perform the clamping action first, securing the container in place, before automatically enabling and executing the unlocking action. This predetermined sequence eliminates the risk of operators performing actions in the wrong order or missing steps, as the mechanical design enforces the correct sequence of operations
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to automatically transition from clamping to unlocking function without requiring the operator to switch controls or remember sequences. The mechanical linkage self-regulates the operation flow, making the system self-guiding and eliminating human error related to procedural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuation mechanisms are used, then each function can be controlled separately, but extent of automation deteriorates due to difficulty in automating multiple independent controls
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple independent control mechanisms into a single actuator with a unified control interface, the system becomes significantly more amenable to automation. A single actuator can be controlled by one motor or actuation signal, eliminating the need for multiple independent control systems and their associated synchronization complexities
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuation mechanisms are used, then specific functions can be performed, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple actuation mechanisms into a single unified actuator assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities through the multi-functional design of the single actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A leaktight joining device for ensuring the aseptic transfer of a biopharmaceutical product between a chamber equipped with a removable door and a container equipped with a removable cover, includes: stationary temporary flanging elements, stationary unlocking elements capable of changing the container from an initial locking position to an intermediate unlocking position so as to ensure an aseptic communication between the container and the chamber, stationary locking element capable of changing the container from the intermediate locking position to a final locking position, an annular functional ring gear capable of actuating the stationary unlocking elements and the stationary locking elements of the container. The stationary temporary flanging elements, the stationary unlocking elements, and the stationary locking elements are mechanically linked to the annular functional ring gear and arranged so that the unidirectional rotation of the annular functional ring gear about the geometric axis of rotation successively drives the actuation thereof.