Powder Dosing Device With Sealing Flaps And Delivery Piston
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for introducing small amounts of powdered substances into larger process containers face challenges such as high tolerances leading to loss and contamination, and the need for precise dosing without environmental influences, especially in sterile applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a process container, a tubular cartridge, and a transport unit with a coupling flange and closing flap, allowing the cartridge to be slidably stored and emptied directly below the filling level, using a delivery piston for precise dosing and minimizing contact with container walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If small amounts of powdered substances are introduced into larger process containers using existing devices, then the dosing process can be performed, but high tolerances lead to loss and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the dosing device and the process container. This adapter creates a sterile barrier that prevents contamination while maintaining precise dosing capability, resolving the contradiction between dosing precision and contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sterile adapters and single-use dosing components that are discarded after one use. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and cumulative errors, ensuring both loss-free dosing and prevention of contamination without requiring complex sterilization procedures
2Loss of substance
If small amounts of powdered substances are introduced into larger process containers, then dosing can be performed, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter serves as a mediator between the non-sterile dosing device and the sterile process container environment. This intermediary maintains the sterile barrier while enabling precise transfer of powdered substances, preventing contamination without increasing loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and maintains a sterile, controlled environment within the process container and adapter assembly. By establishing this inert/sterile atmosphere, the system prevents contamination from external sources while minimizing powder loss through controlled transfer mechanisms
3Productivity
If existing dosing devices are used for sterile applications, then dosing can be performed, but sterility cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sterile adapters and single-use components that eliminate the need for complex sterilization cycles. These single-use elements maintain sterility by design, allowing efficient dosing operations without compromising sterile conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile adapter acts as an intermediary that interfaces between non-sterile dosing equipment and sterile process containers. This mediator maintains the sterile barrier while enabling efficient material transfer, resolving the contradiction between dosing efficiency and sterility maintenance
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
Ensures loss-free and precise addition of small amounts of powdered substances, reducing contamination risks and maintaining sterility, suitable for active ingredient containment and sterile applications.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery piston (8) which can be moved in the cartridge (4)
Implementation Method 2
closing flap (3, 7) with which the coupling flange (2, 6) can be closed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for introducing small, and the smallest, quantities of powdery materials into larger process vessels. It is particularly suitable for containment applications of active ingredients and/or sterile applications. The device serves to introduce a defined quantity of a second powder into a process vessel (1) in which a first powder or mixture of powders is located, wherein a coupling flange (2) with a sealing flap (3) is present at the process vessel (1). The second powder can be introduced into a tubular cartridge (4) which can be mounted displaceably in a transport unit. The transport unit has a connecting flange (6) with a sealing flap (7). The connecting flange (6) can be connected to the coupling flange (2) such that the sealing flap (3) and the sealing flap (7) can be opened and that the cartridge (4) can be displaced within the transport unit through the opened sealing flaps (3 and 7) as far as the plane of the inner wall of the process vessel (1). The second powder is emptied from the cartridge (4) into the process vessel (1) by means of a delivery piston (8). The cartridge (4) can possess a piston rod (5) with a plurality of pistons. Solutions with a double piston, a rotatable cartridge core (16) or a turn-lock fastener (33) are also described.