Cleanroom Pass Box Airflow Layout for Handle Dust Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pass boxes in regenerative medicine and similar fields fail to prevent contamination from dust generated during door handle operation and leakage into clean rooms, despite surface sterilization using germicidal lamps.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a blower with a HEPA filter and a mechanism with a storage stand having slits to exhaust air and prevent dust scattering from handle contact, along with a handle receiving seat and bracket structure that minimizes contamination by directing dust into the air circulation path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pass box door handle is operated to open and close the door for article delivery, then the door can be opened and closed, but dust is generated from rubbing between the handle and handle receiver causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful dust generation function is extracted from the door handle system by separating the handle operation from the dust-generating contact. The handle receiver is designed to minimize contact friction, and the dust is subsequently removed by the air circulation system, effectively extracting the harmful byproduct from the operation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust generated during handle operation is converted from a harmful contaminant into a manageable particle that can be systematically removed by the air circulation and filtration system. The air flow path is designed to capture and exhaust the dust, transforming the harmful effect into a controlled removal process.
2Reliability
If a germicidal lamp is used for surface sterilization, then surface sterilization is achieved, but dust generated during door operation still contaminates the clean room
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization function and dust removal function are merged into a comprehensive air quality control system. The air circulation system works in conjunction with the germicidal lamp to simultaneously address both microbial contamination and particulate dust, creating a unified approach to maintaining clean room standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system acts as an intermediary between the dust generation source (door handle operation) and the clean room environment. It captures dust particles and prevents them from reaching the clean room, serving as a protective barrier while allowing door operation to continue.
3Ease of operation
If the pass box is designed with simple door handle structure, then ease of operation is maintained, but dust leakage into clean room occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic air circulation system is introduced to control dust movement. The air flow is directed to capture dust particles generated during handle operation and transport them to exhaust outlets, using pneumatic forces to prevent dust leakage into the clean room while maintaining simple handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow parameters (velocity, direction, pressure) are optimized to effectively capture dust particles without interfering with the simple mechanical operation of the door handle. The air circulation creates a protective flow pattern that contains dust while allowing free handle movement.
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
Effectively prevents contamination of clean rooms by ensuring that dust generated during pass box door operation is contained and removed through air circulation, maintaining cleanliness within the pass box and the clean area.
Implementation Method 1
a blower provided in an upper portion of the pass box
Implementation Method 2
a storage stand provided in a lower portion of the pass box. The storage stand has a slit allowing air from the blower to be exhausted from an inner portion of the pass box
Data Source
AI summary
A pass box delivering an article with respect to a clean room includes a blower provided in an upper portion of the pass box, a first door on the clean room side, a first handle provided on the clean room side and opening and closing the first door, a first handle receiving portion rotating with the first handle in the pass box, a first handle receiving seat engaging with the first handle receiving portion in the pass box, and a storage stand provided in a lower portion of the pass box. The storage stand has a slit allowing air from the blower to be exhausted from an inner portion of the pass box.