Low-Profile Winch Carousel Transfer for Compact Controlled Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled environment chambers require extensive space and time to achieve the desired environment due to the need for large, rigid transfer mechanisms to accommodate devices and objects, which increases costs and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile transfer mechanism using a winch system with a wire arrangement wound onto a drum, paired with a gravity-activated tool, allows for vertical movement of objects into a device within the chamber without the need for large vertical excursions outside the device, thereby reducing chamber size and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid transfer mechanism is used to accommodate devices and objects, then the transfer capability is improved, but the chamber size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a carousel for holding multiple objects, individual tools for manipulating each object, and a wire arrangement for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more specialized, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire arrangement serves multiple functions: it actuates the carousel rotation, controls tool movement, and enables object transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive transfer capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid transfer mechanism is used to accommodate devices and objects, then the transfer capability is improved, but the chamber volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from vertical linear movement to horizontal rotational movement via the carousel. Objects are transferred by rotating the carousel to bring them into position, then using wire-actuated tools for precise manipulation. This dimensional change allows compact packaging within the chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Tools and objects are positioned within the carousel structure, with components nested within each other. The wire arrangement is coiled and stored within the drum when not in use. This nesting minimizes the space required for all components simultaneously, reducing chamber volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chamber sections are used to accommodate transfer mechanism and device, then the transfer capability is improved, but the time to establish controlled environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism components (carousel, tools, wire arrangement) are integrated within a single chamber section rather than requiring separate sections. This merging reduces the total volume that needs to be brought to controlled conditions, thereby reducing the time required to establish the controlled environment.
4Volume of stationary object
If a low-profile transfer mechanism is used, then the chamber volume is reduced, but the transfer mechanism size is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic wire-actuated tools that can extend and retract, rather than fixed rigid structures. The wire arrangement can be wound and unwound on demand, allowing the mechanism to achieve the necessary reach and movement capability within a compact footprint. This dynamic approach enables the transfer mechanism to be smaller while maintaining full functionality.
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
The low-profile transfer mechanism significantly reduces the space and time required to establish a controlled environment, allowing for more efficient operations and cost savings by minimizing the size and complexity of the chamber.
Implementation Method 1
winch, including a drum; and wire arrangement configured to be reversibly wound onto the drum by a first drive
Implementation Method 2
the tool and the object are thereby lowered under the influence of gravity into the portion of the controlled environment disposed inside the device
Implementation Method 3
carousel disposed in the controlled environment and connected to a second drive configured to rotate the carousel around a vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring objects into a device inside a controlled environment includes a winch, tool and carousel. The winch includes a drum, and wire arrangement configured to be reversibly wound onto the drum by a first drive. The tool is suspended below a distal end of the wire arrangement and configured to suspend an object. Both the tool and the object are sized to fit inside a device located below the winch. The carousel is connected to a second drive configured to rotate the carousel around a vertical axis, and includes a storage space centered at a first horizontal angle and a pass-through opening at a different second horizontal angle. The pass-through opening being large enough to pass the tool and the object as the wire arrangement is unwound from the drum thereby lowering the tool and object inside the device.