Transfer System with Integrated Container Marker for Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transfer systems in the biopharmaceutical field face challenges in ensuring the security and traceability of contents during transfers, particularly due to the similarity of containers and the need for single-use containers, which existing solutions like barcodes and RFID systems fail to address adequately in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system integrated with marker means on the container for data storage, reading, and writing, along with control mechanisms to ensure secure and traceable transfers, preventing reuse of containers by controlling door openings based on stored data, using radio, infrared, or wired communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional identification methods like barcodes or RFID systems are used for container tracking, then traceability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification marker directly with the container structure, merging the tracking function into the container itself rather than using separate RFID tags or barcodes. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining traceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure serves multiple functions: it holds the content, provides structural integrity, and incorporates the identification marker for tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification components, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual verification of container identity is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic identification and verification of containers through integrated markers and readers, eliminating the need for manual verification. This self-service approach increases productivity while the automated control logic keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated optical or electromagnetic reading of identification markers, significantly increasing transfer speed and security while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If container reuse is allowed to reduce costs, then loss of substance decreases, but reliability and security worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer securityVSAvoidcontainer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses identification markers to track container usage history and provides feedback to the control system. This enables automatic determination of whether a container can be reused or must be discarded, ensuring reliability while simplifying container management through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The identification marker is pre-associated with each container, allowing the system to determine reuse eligibility before the transfer operation. This preliminary identification enables proactive container management, ensuring security requirements are met while optimizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2490809B1Improvements to systems for the transfer between a chamber and a container
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SARTORIUS STEDIM ASEPTICS SA
  • EP2490809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2490809B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2490809B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The chamber (2) comprises a wall (5) having an opening (7) and a connection interface (8), a door (10), an assembly means (12), a means for moving the door (10), and an actuating means for controlling the moving means. The container (3) comprises a wall (14) having an opening (16), a connection interface (9), a door (18), an assembly means (13), and a means for moving the door (18), said door-moving means being functionally combined with the door (10), wherein the system also comprises the following functionally built-in elements: a marker means (19) supported by the container (3) and capable of storing data; a short-distance data-reading means (20) that is functionally complementary to the marker means (19); a means (21) for storing the read data; a means (22) for producing an output signal on the basis of the read or stored data; and a means for controlling the opening of the first door (10) and thus the second door (18), said first and second doors responding to the output signal received from the means (22) for producing an output signal.