Airlock Apparatus Segmented Compartments Sealed Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems face issues with unregulated exposure to the outside environment when opened, leading to potential spoilage or release of contents, and leakage of particulates and odors, especially in storage and disposal applications.
Innovation Solution
An airlock apparatus with a movable valve element and transfer element that regulates the passage between compartments, using energy transmission means like gears, wheels, and actuators to ensure controlled transfer and sealing, preventing external substances from entering the first compartment while allowing objects to be moved to the second compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to deposit objects into the container, then the container is accessible for loading, but unregulated amounts of oxygen-rich air and undesired substances enter the container, potentially shortening storage life
Solution Approach 1:
The container opening is divided into two separate openings: a first opening for receiving objects and a second opening for discharge. This segmentation allows independent control of each opening, enabling the first opening to remain closed while objects are loaded, preventing harmful substances from entering while maintaining loading accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two openings. It receives objects from the first opening and transports them to the second opening, enabling object transfer while both openings remain sealed, thus preventing exposure to harmful factors while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to deposit objects, then loading is possible, but the opening is exposed such that content may easily spill or fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The single opening is segmented into a first opening for loading and a second opening for discharge, each with independent closing elements. This allows the first opening to remain closed during object transfer, preventing spillage while the transfer element moves objects to the second opening for controlled discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element closes the first opening before objects are deposited into the container. This preliminary action ensures the opening is sealed in advance, preventing any potential spillage or accidental discharge while the transfer element operates.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is opened for disposal applications, then objects can be removed, but particulates, fluids, gasses, and odors are unregulatedly released, creating unpleasant, unsanitary, and dangerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is separated into a dedicated second opening with its own closing element. This allows the first opening to remain sealed during disposal operations, preventing harmful factors from escaping into the environment while the second opening can be opened for controlled removal of objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer element serves as an intermediary that transports objects from the sealed first opening to the second opening. This enables disposal operations while maintaining the seal of the first opening, preventing unregulated release of harmful factors generated by the contained objects.
4Productivity
If rotating drums with openings are used for transferring objects, then object transfer is enabled, but objects get stuck during transfer and leakage of particulates and odors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer element acts as an intermediary carrier that receives objects from the first opening and transports them to the second opening. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for rotating drums with openings, preventing objects from getting stuck and blocking the transfer path, while both openings remain sealed to prevent leakage of particulates and odors.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic rotating drum mechanism with openings is extracted and replaced with a sealed transfer element system. This removes the source of object sticking and leakage problems while maintaining the essential function of object transfer between compartments.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting objects from a first compartment to a second compartment, where a movable valve element gates off the first compartment from the second compartment. The device includes a transfer element operable with the valve element to prevent the valve element from opening when the transfer element is not engaging the first compartment and to prevent articles and particulates, fluids, gases, odors, and matter from the second compartment from entering the first compartment when the valve element is open. A method for transferring articles into a container is also provided.