Modular Rod Assembly for Sterile Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container moving apparatuses for freeze dryers are bulky, increasing the size of the freeze dryer and posing sterility risks due to the use of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, which can contaminate pharmaceutical or food products.
Innovation Solution
A compact modular rod assembly with a rotating magazine unit and hermetically sealed bellows to minimize contamination, allowing for efficient and sterile movement of containers with reduced overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used for moving containers, then the moving force and reliability are improved, but the risk of contamination increases due to potential leaks of non-sterile fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder system from the sterile environment. Instead of using fluid-powered cylinders that risk contamination, the invention employs a mechanical rod assembly that can be hermetically sealed and isolated from the sterile chamber, eliminating the source of potential contamination while maintaining reliable moving force through pure mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The rod assembly is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Rather than maintaining complex hydraulic systems that require ongoing monitoring and risk leaks, the mechanical rod assembly can be simply inserted, used, and replaced if needed, ensuring sterility while providing sufficient reliability for the container moving task
2Length of moving object
If long cylinder stems are used to span the drying chamber width, then the container moving capability is improved, but the overall apparatus size and clean room volume increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The rod assembly employs a nested structure where multiple rod segments are stored compactly within a magazine unit when not in use. During operation, the rods are sequentially deployed to achieve the necessary length to span the chamber width. This nesting approach allows the apparatus to have a compact storage volume while providing extended operational length when needed, eliminating the need for a permanently large clean room volume
Solution Approach 2:
The rod assembly transitions from a static long-stem cylinder design to a dynamic, adjustable-length system. The rods can be extended or retracted based on operational requirements, and the magazine unit can rotate to position rods as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to maintain a compact footprint while providing the full range of motion and reach required for container handling across the chamber width
3Length of stationary object
If modular rod elements are used to reduce apparatus size, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to assembling means and magazine unit
Solution Approach 1:
The rod assembly is segmented into multiple standardized rod elements that can be individually stored in the magazine unit and assembled in sequence. Each rod element is a simple, identical component with standardized connection features. While the overall system is more complex due to the magazine and assembling mechanisms, the segmentation allows for compact storage and simplified individual component manufacturing, achieving a balance between reduced apparatus size and manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine unit serves multiple functions: it stores the rod elements, positions them for assembly, and can rotate to present the next rod in the sequence. The assembling means integrates multiple operations into a single mechanism that connects rods, positions them, and secures them. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving compact dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for moving containers (70) into or from a chamber (90) provided with at least a supporting surface (91) for said containers (70), comprises pushing means (2) for engaging said containers (70) and driving means (3) for moving said pushing means (2) through said chamber (90) along a sliding direction (A), said driving means (3) comprising, a modular rod assembly (4) for supporting said pushing means (2) and including a set of rod elements (10, 20) which can be mutually and removably associated, assembling means (5, 6) for connecting or disconnecting said rod elements (20) to or from said modular rod assembly (4) so as to change a length thereof and to move said pushing means (2).