Magnetic Container Transport Coupling for Clean Sealed Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport apparatuses for pharmaceutical containers face challenges in achieving easy and effective cleaning while preventing particle contamination, as they are not designed to be highly sealed and are prone to abrasion, which can lead to system contamination.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a base device and put-on-device configuration, featuring magnetically coupled coupling elements that allow for rotational motion, a put-on-body that covers the support body radially, and a sealing mechanism to prevent outward contamination, enabling easy cleaning without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transport apparatus is configured as open to allow easy cleaning access, then cleaning ease is improved, but particle contamination from abrasion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport apparatus is divided into modular components (transport body, support body, coupling elements) that can be independently cleaned or replaced. The transport body can be detached from the support body, allowing the support body with its sealed structure to remain in place while the transport body is removed for cleaning, thus maintaining both cleaning ease and contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements act as intermediaries between the transport body and support body. These coupling elements provide a sealed connection interface that prevents particle escape while allowing the transport body to be easily attached and detached for cleaning purposes.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the transport apparatus is sealed to prevent particle escape, then contamination prevention is improved, but cleaning accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed structure is segmented into the support body (which remains sealed and stationary) and the transport body (which is detachable). This segmentation allows the sealed portion to prevent contamination while the detachable portion provides cleaning access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transport apparatus uses magnetic coupling elements for rotation, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms (gears, shafts, bearings) are replaced with magnetic coupling elements. The magnetic coupling provides rotational motion transmission without physical contact, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining operational versatility for different container formats.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transport body projects beyond the put-on-body radially, then container format versatility is improved, but sealing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements serve as intermediary sealing components between the transport body and support body. These intermediaries provide a sealed interface that accommodates the radial projection of the transport body while preventing particle escape, thus enabling container versatility without compromising sealing.
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 apparatus ensures effective sealing and easy cleaning, preventing particle contamination and facilitating WIP processes, while allowing versatile use with different container formats through detachable put-on-devices.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling elements are mutually spaced and magnetically couple together in order to drive the transport body about the rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A container transport apparatus includes a base device and a put-on-device. The base device has a support body and a first coupling element that can be driven in rotation via a drive unit. The support body has a connecting portion facing the put-on-device, on which a receiving chamber is formed in which the first coupling element is arranged. The put-on-device has a transport body with a container receptacle for a container, a second coupling element connected to the transport body in a rotationally fixed manner, and a put-on-body. The coupling elements magnetically couple together to drive the transport body. The put-on-body rests against the connecting portion and is connected to the connecting portion via a force-locking and/or positive-locking connection. The transport body is rotatable relative to the put-on-body, covers the put-on-body, and projects radially beyond the put-on-body. The transport apparatus can be part of a system for processing containers.