Rotating Sealed Transfer Interface to Prevent Container Spillage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connection systems for sealed transfer containers require the rotation of the entire receptacle, which can lead to spillage of contents, especially for filled flasks, and are costly due to the need for specialized containers with rotating flanges.

Innovation Solution

A rotating interface that can be mounted on conventional containers, allowing conversion to a rotating flange configuration, ensuring sealed connections without requiring the rotation of the receptacle, using a bayonet link mechanism with rollers or bearings to facilitate rotation and reduce friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire receptacle is rotated for connection, then the sealed connection between container and chamber is achieved, but the contents (especially filled flasks) may spill and significant mass must be rotated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealed connectionVSAvoidspillage of contents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the rotation function into two separate components: the receptacle remains stationary while only the flange assembly rotates. This segmentation allows the connection function to be achieved without rotating the entire receptacle and its contents, thus preventing spillage while maintaining sealed connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange assembly acts as an intermediary component between the receptacle and the connection interface. By placing the rotation capability in the flange assembly rather than the receptacle itself, the invention mediates between the need for rotation (for connection) and the need to keep contents stationary (to prevent spillage).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If containers with rotating flanges are used, then rotation without receptacle movement is achieved, but the cost increases due to specialized containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dynamic element (the rotatable flange assembly) to an otherwise static receptacle design. This allows conventional receptacles to gain rotation capability through a separate, attachable component rather than requiring the entire container to be redesigned as a specialized rotating unit, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flange assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the rotation capability for connection, maintains the sealed interface, and can be attached to conventional receptacles. This multi-functionality allows a single component to enable rotation without requiring specialized containers, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the beta flange is rigidly fastened to the receptacle, then the connection structure is simplified, but the rotation requires pivoting the entire container about its axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidrotation operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the rigid connection between flange and receptacle by introducing a rotatable flange assembly that can rotate relative to the stationary receptacle. This segmentation allows the connection structure to remain simple while enabling rotation without pivoting the entire container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic rotatable connection. This allows the flange to rotate relative to the receptacle during connection operations, simplifying the rotation operation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 quick and economical conversion of conventional containers into rotating flange containers, preventing spillage and reducing wear, while maintaining sealed connections and allowing transfer of fragile objects.

Implementation Method 1

using a bayonet link mechanism with rollers or bearings to facilitate rotation and reduce friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12479636B2Rotary connection interface for a sealed transfer container

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 GETINGE LIFE SCI FRANCE

AI summary

Connection interface rotating about a longitudinal axis. A first end portion includes outer lugs extending radially towards the outside and which are capable of forming an outer upper bayonet link. a second end portion includes lower notches capable of forming a peripheral lower bayonet link with an outer element. A central passage passes all the way through connecting the first end portion and the second end portion, the central passage including inner lugs capable of forming an inner upper bayonet link. A joint is mounted on the first end portion. The second end portion includes an annular housing including an axial groove opening into an end face of the second end portion, and a radial groove surrounding the axial groove. The radial groove is configured to house lugs of the outer element in order to form the peripheral lower bayonet link and allow a movement of the lugs.