Sealed Mechanical Locking for Sterile Conveying Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting apparatuses for conveying assemblies in pharmaceutical environments face issues such as complex structures leading to component loss and contamination, difficulty in cleaning, and incompatibility with pharmaceutical-grade materials, particularly when handling toxic substances or requiring sterile conditions.

Innovation Solution

A connecting apparatus featuring a locking mechanism with rotatable locking elements and a sealing element to prevent contamination, allowing for reliable and cleanable connections between a receiving body and a base body that can be excited into movement, without using vacuum or electromagnetic actuation, thus avoiding the introduction of dirt and ensuring compatibility with sterile environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connecting apparatuses with multiple components are used, then the receiving body can be reliably connected to the base body, but the structure becomes complicated leading to component loss and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connecting components into a single integrated connecting device that attaches to the base body. This single device incorporates both the connecting function and the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of component loss while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between the receiving body and base body, maintains sealing through the sealing element, and enables easy attachment/detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional connecting apparatuses with multiple components are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but dirt accumulates on components making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a sealing element in the form of a flexible sealing lip or membrane that conformally seals around the conveying assembly shaft. This flexible sealing structure prevents dirt accumulation in gaps and allows for easy cleaning while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If vacuum-operated connecting apparatuses are used, then connection is achieved, but toxic substances can be sucked in during processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidtoxic substance inhalation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vacuum-based connection with a purely mechanical connecting device that uses physical attachment through the sealing element and mechanical locking. This eliminates the vacuum field that could draw in toxic substances, making the system safe for processing toxic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If electromagnetic connecting apparatuses are used, then connection is achieved, but eddy currents cause undesirably high heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidheating

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic connection mechanisms with a purely mechanical connecting device. This eliminates eddy currents and associated heating problems, making the system suitable for applications where thermal effects must be minimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Ease of manufacture

If conventional connecting apparatuses with openings and undercuts are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but cleaning requires disassembly to remove contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20240417181A1Connecting device and conveying assembly having a connecting device

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 BAUSCH STROEBEL MASCHINENFABRIK ILSHOFEN GMBH CO KG

AI summary

A connecting apparatus connects a receiving body for conveyed goods to a base body. The apparatus includes an abutment device with a support element on the base body and an abutment element on the receiving body. When used, the receiving body rests on the support element via the abutment element. A locking device with a first locking element is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the base body. A second locking element is fixed to the receiving body. An actuating device is connected to the first locking element. The first locking element is transferrable from a release position, in which the locking elements are disengaged, into a locking position in which the locking elements engage one another. The first locking element is guided through a through-opening of the base body. A sealing element seals the through-opening. A conveying assembly can include the connecting apparatus.