Sterile Package Transport Layout for Low-Turbulence Cleanroom Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spindle-based loading systems for freeze-drying require significant space in cleanroom environments, impairing accessibility and introducing turbulence that can contaminate sterile objects, and use bellows that are prone to damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with a compact design featuring a recessed interaction section and a driven positioning device, allowing sterile objects to be transported without components directly above them, reducing turbulence and eliminating the need for bulky spindles and vulnerable bellows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional spindle-based loading system is used, then sterile objects can be loaded into the drying chamber, but the space required in front of the loading system impairs accessibility and increases turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The feed rail is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement requiring space in front of the system to a vertical arrangement utilizing the height dimension. The feed rail is now arranged above the drying chamber opening, allowing sterile objects to be fed vertically downward into the chamber, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space and improving accessibility to the front of the system.
2Reliability
If bellows are used as sealing elements for the moving spindle, then sealing during movement is achieved, but the bellows are prone to damage and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable bellows sealing element is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a moving spindle with elastic sealing, the invention employs a stationary feed rail with a flap valve that opens and closes to allow sterile objects to enter the drying chamber while maintaining the seal. This eliminates the weak point in the sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
A flap valve acts as an intermediary element between the cleanroom environment and the drying chamber. The flap valve opens to allow sterile objects to pass through and closes to maintain the seal, replacing the direct mechanical connection with bellows that caused reliability issues.
3Volume of stationary object
If the spindle is positioned partly inside and partly outside the cleanroom environment, then the cleanroom volume is minimized, but additional sealing elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex sealing system involving multiple static and movable sealing elements is extracted and replaced by a simple flap valve mechanism. The feed rail is positioned entirely within the cleanroom environment, and the flap valve provides the sealing function without requiring additional sealing elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport system (1) for transporting sterile objects (50) in packages, comprising a transport surface (2) on which a number (N) of sterile objects (50) to be transported can be displaced, a transport unit with an interaction section (4) for displacing the number (N) of sterile objects (50) displaceable on the transport surface (2) in a transport direction (T) of the transport system (1), and a recess (5) projecting from the transport surface (2) for receiving the interaction section (4), wherein the transport unit (3) has a driveable positioning device (6) by means of which the interaction section (4) can be adjusted relative to the transport surface (2) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2), wherein in the first end position (P1) the interaction section (4) is recessed in the recess (5) to close the recess (5) flush with the transport surface (2).and wherein in the second end position (P2) the interaction section (4) is arranged in the transport direction (T) at a first distance from the recess (5) on the transport surface (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transporting sterile objects in packages using such a transport system.