Robotic Arm Isolator Module With Hermetic Glove Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolator modules for robotic arms require larger dimensions to accommodate the robots, leading to increased structural complexity, costs, and difficulty in maintaining aseptic environments, as they need to be custom-made to fit the robotic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A compact isolator module with a box-like casing and a hermetically mounted glove system that allows the robotic arm to operate within the isolator without increasing its size, featuring a magnetic or electromagnetic positioning system, various terminals for interaction, and attachments for tools and environmental control, enabling aseptic operations without compromising the containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the isolator is made larger to accommodate the robotic arm, then the robotic arm can operate inside the isolator, but the dimensions become bulky and the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate spaces: the robotic arm operates in the external environment while the isolator maintains its own independent controlled environment. The glovebox acts as an interface boundary, allowing the robotic arm to interact with the isolator contents without physically occupying the isolator space. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling robotic operation capability while maintaining compact isolator dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The glovebox serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the robotic arm and the isolator environment. It provides a hermetic seal that allows mechanical interaction (through the robotic arm manipulating tools attached to the glovebox) while maintaining environmental isolation. This intermediary structure enables the robotic arm to perform tasks within the isolator without requiring the isolator to be oversized.
2Ease of operation
If the isolator is made larger to accommodate the robotic arm, then the robotic arm can operate inside the isolator, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separate zones (external robotic arm zone and internal isolator zone) with the glovebox as the boundary, the design avoids the complexity of integrating a large robotic arm structure within the isolator. Each component remains simple and specialized: the robotic arm for manipulation, the glovebox for environmental control, and the isolator for containment. This segmentation reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If the isolator is made larger to accommodate the robotic arm, then the robotic arm can operate inside the isolator, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation approach allows the isolator to maintain its standard, optimized dimensions rather than being oversized to accommodate the robotic arm. This results in reduced material requirements for constructing the isolator chamber, fewer materials needed for insulation and sealing, and lower overall manufacturing costs. The robotic arm and its interface components (glovebox, positioning system) are added as separate elements rather than increasing the isolator's core structure.
4Ease of operation
If the isolator is made larger to accommodate the robotic arm, then the robotic arm can operate inside the isolator, but the difficulty in keeping the environment decontaminated increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the system into separate environments with the glovebox as the barrier maintains the isolator's compact, easily decontaminated space. The smaller surface area of the isolator chamber requires less time and resources for decontamination procedures. The robotic arm operates externally, reducing the risk of contamination, and the glovebox provides a controlled interface that can be independently sterilized without affecting the entire robotic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The glovebox acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the isolator environment from potential contamination by the robotic arm. It provides a hermetic seal that prevents contaminants from the external environment (where the robotic arm operates) from entering the controlled isolator space. This intermediary structure simplifies decontamination by isolating the critical containment zone from the robotic manipulation zone.
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 robotic arm to perform tasks within the isolator while maintaining aseptic conditions without the need for oversized modules, reducing complexity and costs, and allowing for versatile configurations such as climatic chambers or incubators.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning system is of the magnetic or electromagnetic type
Implementation Method 2
the positioning system is of the magnetic or electromagnetic type
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An isolator module (1) for robotic arm, comprising: a box-like casing (2) defining a working chamber (3) isolated from an external environment; means (4) for realizing a controlled contamination environment in said chamber (3); said box-like casing (2) comprising at least one opening (7), said module (1) comprising a glove (8) intended to house the robotic arm, said glove (8) being hermetically mounted at said at least one opening (7) such that an external surface thereof is exposed to the working chamber (3) and an internal surface thereof is communicating with the external environment, said glove (8) comprising: - a positioning system (9) for positioning the robotic arm inside the glove (8); - one or more terminals (10) for the interaction of the robotic arm with the chamber (3).