Liquid-Sealed Conveyor Transfer for Hygienic Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transportation systems in aseptic environments face hygiene issues due to roller wear and lubrication, leading to contamination risks and complex maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a liquid channel and a conveying device that separates clean and drive spaces, using a support connection immersed in sealing liquid to maintain hygiene, allowing for individual movement of objects without compromising cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rollers are used to guide and support movers, then the movers can be supported and guided, but the rollers wear out and require lubrication causing hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device is segmented into two separate spaces: a first space for the drive technology and a second space for the objects to be conveyed. This segmentation allows the drive components (including rollers) to be isolated in the first space, preventing them from contaminating the second space while maintaining their mechanical function.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing device acts as an intermediary barrier between the first space and the second space. This sealing device prevents contaminants from the drive space (first space) from reaching the clean space (second space), effectively mediating the interaction between the two spaces while maintaining hygiene in the object handling area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveying device is located entirely in the clean room, then hygiene is maintained, but the drive technology is exposed to aggressive gases and media
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device is divided into two functional segments located in different spaces: the drive technology segment is positioned in the first space (protected from aggressive media), while the object handling segment is positioned in the second space (maintaining hygiene). This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device serves as a protective intermediary that shields the drive technology in the first space from aggressive gases and media in the second space, while simultaneously preventing contaminants from the first space from reaching the clean second space.
3Reliability
If a gap seal is used, then sealing between spaces is achieved, but overpressure cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a simple mechanical gap seal, the invention employs a sealing device based on pneumatic or hydraulic principles (such as air curtains, water seals, or pressurized barriers) that can effectively maintain overpressure in the second space while preventing contamination. This approach uses fluid pressure to create a seal that is both effective and compatible with pressure differential requirements.
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
Enables hygienic transport of containers with reduced maintenance needs, protecting drive technology from aggressive media and maintaining overpressure in the clean space, while supporting various drive technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing device seals between a first space and a second space and has a preferably circumferential (e.g., stationary) liquid channel for receiving a sealing liquid (e.g., sealing liquid bath) for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an apparatus for transporting objects. A sealing device seals between a first space and a second space and has a liquid channel for accommodating a sealing liquid for sealing. A conveying device has at least one movement apparatus for transporting an object. The at least one movement apparatus has an object holder which is arranged in the second space. The at least one movement apparatus has a connecting region for guiding, driving and/or supporting the respective movement apparatus, which is arranged in the first space. The at least one movement apparatus has a support connection which connects the connecting region and the object holder to one another. A section of the support connection extends through the liquid channel for immersion in the sealing liquid.