Sealed Enclosure Transfer Chute Articulation for Low-Friction Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer systems for sealed enclosures experience friction issues between the chute and the contamination ring during docking, which can deteriorate the seal and compromise the integrity of the enclosed environment.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system with a chute articulation device that allows for movement coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the connection device, utilizing motorized pivot joints and controlled motors to minimize friction and maintain seal integrity, featuring a removable chute and integrated motors for precise movement control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the chute is positioned in the container flange opening to cover the contamination ring, then the seal integrity is improved, but friction between the chute and contamination ring increases during docking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chute is made movable relative to the container flange through an articulation device with pivot joints, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During docking, the chute can be retracted or positioned to minimize friction with the contamination ring, while still maintaining the ability to cover the ring when needed for seal integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer system is divided into separable components: the chute can be removed from the articulation device. This allows the chute to be optimized for its sealing function while the articulation device handles the positioning and friction-reduction aspects during docking operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a rotational movement is used to position the chute during docking, then the chute can be positioned accurately, but friction with the contamination ring increases and can deteriorate the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation device allows the chute to move dynamically during docking operations. The pivot joints enable controlled movement that can accommodate positioning requirements while minimizing contact and friction with the contamination ring, preserving seal integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the chute to achieve positioning (which causes friction), the system inverts the approach by allowing the chute to move in a way that minimizes contact, using the articulation device's degrees of freedom to achieve positioning without the harmful rotational friction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4308349B1Transfer system for a sealed enclosure having a sealed connection device for connecting to an enclosed volume

Publication Date: 2025.08.13 GETINGE LIFE SCI FRANCE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a transfer system (S1) for a sealed enclosure, the sealed enclosure defining a first enclosed volume and having at least one sealed connection device (D) for connecting to a second enclosed volume, the transfer system being intended to be disposed in the enclosure and to be fixed to a wall of the latter, the transfer system (S1) having a chute (14) and an articulation device (20) fixed inside the enclosure, the articulation device having two arms (22, 24) and three pivot hinges (26, 28, 30) and three motors.