Receiving Element Closure Wall Assembly Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly devices for medical devices in protected spaces, such as clean rooms, are inefficient due to the time-consuming process of moving materials through multiple manually operated locking walls, leading to slow assembly procedures and potential contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
The receiving element is coupled to a closure wall that moves between internal and external positions, ensuring the opening is only briefly open during material transfer, and can assume a storage position to further reduce process time and prevent contamination, with optional features like guide elements and a mechanical locking mechanism for enhanced flexibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If assembly material is moved through multiple manually operated closure walls, then the protected space can be securely maintained, but the assembly process becomes slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is merged with the closure wall function, where the receiving element itself acts as the closure wall when in the retracted position. This integration eliminates the need for separate closure operations, allowing the opening to be closed automatically when the receiving element is pulled back, thus maintaining security while accelerating the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The closure wall is made dynamic by coupling it to the movable receiving element. The closure wall moves between open and closed states automatically as the receiving element extends and retracts, replacing static manual closure operations with a dynamic, automated system that improves both speed and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the opening remains open for material transfer, then assembly material can be moved in and out, but contamination risk increases and security guidelines may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element enables rapid transfer of assembly material through the opening by extending to receive material and quickly retracting to close the opening. This rushing through action minimizes the time the opening remains exposed, allowing efficient material transfer while rapidly reducing contamination risk once transfer is complete
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element acts as an intermediary carrier that bridges the inside and outside of the protected space. It receives material outside, transports it through the opening, and delivers it inside, allowing material transfer to occur while the protected space itself remains sealed except during the brief transfer moment
3Reliability
If multiple closure walls are used for material transfer, then security is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is designed to perform dual functions: it serves as both the material receiving/transport mechanism and the closure wall. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate closure walls and their associated operating mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining security through the receiving element's own structure
4Ease of operation
If manual operation of closure walls is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element performs self-service by automatically closing the opening through its own retraction motion. When the receiving element is pulled back to its retracted position, it automatically brings the closure wall with it, closing the opening without requiring separate manual operation. This self-closing action eliminates wasted time while maintaining operational control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly device (1), in particular for assembling medical devices having a container filled with a preparation and a dispensing device for the preparation, with an outer boundary (4) through which a working space (6) is defined as a protected space (5), and a material passage (7) through which assembly material can be transported through an opening (8) in the outer boundary (4), wherein the material passage (7) has at least one receiving element (9) which is movable through the opening (8) between an inner position (10), in which a receiving area (12) of the at least one receiving element (9) is accessible from the working space (6), and an outer position (11), in which the receiving area (12) is accessible from outside the outer boundary (4), wherein the at least one receiving element (9) is coupled to at least one closing wall (13).which closes the opening (8) at least in one position along a path (32) of the at least one receiving element (9) from the inner position (10) to the outer position (11), in particular at least in the inner position (10) and/or in the outer position (11), wherein the at least one receiving element (9) can assume a bearing position (14) between the inner position (10) and the outer position (11), in which the opening (8) can be closed or is closed by the at least one closing wall (13, 15), preferably two closing walls (13, 15). The invention further relates to an assembly method (2),