Integrated Rapid Transfer Port for Sterile Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating smaller objects, such as syringe parts and vials, require separate containers for treatment and transport, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for additional openings and sterilization of the beta part of the rapid transfer port, which cannot be sterilized simultaneously with the objects during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that integrate the filling and emptying opening with the beta part of the rapid transfer port, allowing superheated steam to sterilize both during treatment, eliminating the need for a separate transport container and additional media connections, using a docking, opening, and closing device that automatically aligns and seals the rapid transfer port for gas-tight and liquid-tight operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate transport container is used to sterilize the beta part of the rapid transfer port, then the sterilization completeness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring two containers and additional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the treatment container and transport container into a single integrated container that serves both functions. The container includes a treatment chamber for sterilizing objects and a transport chamber with an integrated rapid transfer port, eliminating the need for separate containers while maintaining sterilization capability through the unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The single container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a treatment container for sterilizing objects and a transport container for moving them. The rapid transfer port is integrated directly into the container structure, allowing the same container to handle both treatment and transport operations without requiring additional specialized equipment
2Reliability
If the beta part of the rapid transfer port is sterilized separately before use, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the treatment time increases due to additional sterilization steps
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid transfer port and seal are pre-integrated into the container structure during manufacturing, positioned exactly where needed for both treatment and transport phases. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate assembly and sterilization steps, as everything is already in its final position and configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The container maintains continuous sterilization capability throughout the entire process. The rapid transfer port and seal are sterilized together with the objects in the treatment chamber, and the sterile state is maintained continuously during transport without interruption or additional sterilization cycles, ensuring uninterrupted useful action
3Reliability
If a Y-connection is added to the filling and emptying opening to enable sterilization, then the sterilization capability is improved, but the overall height of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid transfer port is integrated into the lateral wall of the container rather than extending vertically through the filling and emptying opening. This dimensional change allows the sterilization connection to be made in the horizontal plane, avoiding any increase in container height while maintaining full sterilization capability through the side-mounted port
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
Enables the sterilization of the beta part and the objects within a single container, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for a second container and separate sterilization steps, while ensuring sterile conditions during filling and emptying.
Implementation Method 1
superheated steam, which passes through the rapid transfer port into or out of the container is passed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10), a treatment and transport container (12), and a method for treating small objects, in particular for cleaning and sterilizing syringe plungers or closures, infusion bottles, and vials for pharmaceutical purposes. The device (10) comprises a motor-driven pivoting holder (22) for the treatment and transport container (12), which has a filling and emptying opening (48) that points upwards in a filling position of the container (12) and downwards in an emptying position of the container (12), and a rapid transfer port (56) with a closure element (62) in front of the filling and emptying opening (48). According to the invention, a docking, opening and closing device (36) is proposed which is attached to the holder (22) and pivotable together with the holder (22), with which the locking element (62) can be opened and closed after docking at the rapid transfer port (56).