Pharmaceutical System Modular Interface Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pharmaceutical systems with multiple modules require sequential decontamination, leading to longer preparation times, risks during handling of highly potent products, and geometric design limitations due to the shape of inflatable seals.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical system with a modular design featuring a partition wall and interfaces with a lid and frame that can be decontaminated separately, allowing for independent decontamination of modules and flexible decontamination scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are decontaminated sequentially with a double seal that is switched between them, then all surfaces of the cover and interface are thoroughly wetted with decontamination agent, but the preparation and decontamination time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into two separate seals (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations. The first seal is used when decontaminating the first module, and the second seal is used when decontaminating the second module. This segmentation allows both modules to be decontaminated simultaneously without interference, as each seal independently seals off the respective module being decontaminated, thereby reducing total decontamination time while maintaining complete coverage of all surfaces.
2Reliability
If a double seal with inflatable seals is used to seal the opening, then the opening can be effectively sealed for decontamination, but the lid becomes difficult to clean and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two separate seals rather than one complex double seal. Each seal can be independently managed, inflated, and deflated. This simplifies the handling process as only one seal needs to be operated at a time, and reduces cleaning complexity as each seal can be accessed and cleaned independently without interfering with the other seal or the overall lid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals are designed to be inflatable and deflatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of sealing configuration. When not in use, the seals can be deflated to reduce their profile and make them easier to clean and handle. This dynamic capability maintains effective sealing when needed while improving ease of operation during maintenance and cleaning activities.
3Reliability
If the lid is designed with a round or oval shape due to the bending radius of inflatable seals, then the seals can function properly, but the geometric design of the lid is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into separate seal components that can be independently positioned and configured. This allows the overall lid geometry to be optimized for specific applications (rectangular, square, or other shapes) while the individual seals maintain their required curvature for proper function. The segmented approach decouples the geometric constraints from the overall lid design, enabling greater design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved bending radius requirement is applied locally only to the seal portions that require inflation, rather than constraining the entire lid to a round or oval shape. The rest of the lid structure can adopt optimal geometric forms for the specific application, such as rectangular shapes that better fit pharmaceutical processing equipment. This local application of curvature requirements maintains seal functionality while maximizing overall design versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical system (10) for filling pharmaceuticals, comprising a first module (12) with a first working chamber (14) enclosed from its surroundings, a second module (16) with a second working chamber (18) enclosed from its surroundings, at least one wall (20) for spatially separating the working chambers (14, 18), at least one interface (22) with at least one opening (24) arranged in the wall (20) for connecting the two working chambers (14, 18), wherein the interface (22) has a cover (26) for closing and releasing the opening (24), wherein the cover (26) releases the opening (24) in an open position and closes the opening (24) in a closed position, wherein the interface (22) has a frame (28) detachably connectable to the wall (20), wherein the cover (26) is attached to the wall (20) by means of the frame (28). It is designed to be attachable.The invention also relates to a method for operating a pharmaceutical plant (10).