Rotating Multi-Conduit Connector for Sealed Environment Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring particles in a sealed environment, such as pharmaceutical testing isolators, are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need to repeatedly reposition sampling devices and enter the isolator for each measurement.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a housing and adjustable mechanism allows multiple sampling devices within a sealed environment to be selectively coupled to a single measurement device externally, enabling alternating alignment of internal conduits with an external conduit without opening the sealed environment, reducing the need for repeated entry and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional measurement process is used with repeated entry into isolator for each measurement, then measurement can be performed at different probe locations, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability at multiple probe locationsVSAvoidtime required for repeated entry and repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple internal conduits (first conduit, second conduit, third conduit) that can be independently aligned with the external conduit through rotational movement of the connector body, allowing multiple sampling devices to be sequentially connected without repeated isolator entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates a rotational degree of freedom that allows dynamic repositioning of internal conduits relative to the external conduit, enabling the system to adapt between different sampling locations while maintaining a sealed environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If personnel repeatedly enter the half suit isolator to reposition the probe, then measurements can be obtained at different locations, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to measure at different locationsVSAvoidoperational simplicity of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling device is extracted from the isolator interior and positioned externally, with the connector providing a sealed interface that allows the sampling device to be repositioned without personnel entering the isolator, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If air is allowed to settle down between measurements, then accurate particle counting can be performed, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of particle countingVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector enables continuous sampling from multiple locations without interrupting the sealed environment or requiring air to settle between measurements, as the rotational mechanism allows immediate switching between conduits while maintaining stable airflow conditions throughout the isolator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7584675B2Connector enabling multiple sampling of sealed environment

Publication Date: 2009.09.08 LEADIANT BIOSCI SA

AI summary

Connector which provide conduits between a sealed environment and an exterior of the environment includes a housing, a plurality of internal conduits extending from a first side of the housing, each adapted to communicate with a respective sampling device situated in the sealed environment, and a single external conduit extending from a second side of the housing opposite the first side and adapted to communicate with a measurement device exterior of the sealed environment. The housing is constructed to enable each internal conduits to alternatingly align with the external conduit such that each sampling device is able to communicate with the measurement device. By providing a connector which is able to provide a flow passage between multiple sampling devices and a single measurement device, at different times, it is not necessary to enter the sealed environment in order to configure a single sampling device in communication with the measurement device.