Transport Container Ventilation Valve With Dual Airflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation valve arrangements for transport containers lack a broad range of control options that can be easily implemented, often requiring complex manual adjustments or expensive motor-driven systems to manage air exchange effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a motor-controlled ventilation channel with adjustable flow cross-sections, allowing for both manual and automatic control of air exchange by combining a rotatable valve element with motor-driven auxiliary valves, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motor-driven system is used to control the ventilation valve arrangement, then the control precision and automation are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of ventilation controlVSAvoidcomplexity of motor-driven system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation system is segmented into two independent control paths: a manual control path using the rotatable valve element for simple adjustments, and an automatic control path using the motor-controlled valve for automated flow regulation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automation where needed while maintaining simplicity for basic operations, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control circuit acts as an intermediary between sensors detecting ventilation requirements and the motor-controlled valve. This intermediary processes sensor signals and translates them into appropriate motor actions, enabling automated control without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages between sensors and valve mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a motor-driven system is used to control the ventilation valve arrangement, then the control precision and automation are improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of ventilation controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides ventilation control into two segments with different automation levels. The manual valve element handles routine adjustments with simple construction, while the motor-controlled valve provides automated control only when needed. This segmentation reduces manufacturing costs by avoiding the need for expensive motor-driven mechanisms throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manual valve element serves as a simple, low-cost component that can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed. By using this inexpensive manual mechanism for basic control and reserving the more expensive motorized system for automated applications, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining necessary automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the valve opening is closed to prevent unintentional activation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintentional activationVSAvoidaccessibility of motor controlled valve

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-controlled valve is nested within or adjacent to the valve plate structure, with its opening positioned such that it can be accessed and manually closed when needed. The valve element's rotation creates a nested configuration where the motor-controlled valve's opening is strategically positioned relative to the valve plate opening, allowing for easy manual intervention while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution provides a versatile and cost-effective ventilation system that can be easily adjusted for various air exchange needs, maintaining consistent airflow conditions while minimizing effort and material usage, ensuring reliable operation and efficient air management within transport containers.

Implementation Method 1

the opening degrees of said openings being controllable by means of a valve element, which is rotatable in relation to the valve plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve control: Valve

Implementation Method 2

whose flow cross-section is adjustable by means of a motor controlled valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor-driven valve actuation: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS8562399B2Ventilation valve arrangement and transport container with a ventilation valve arrangement

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 MAERSK CONTAINER IND

AI summary

The invention concerns a ventilation valve arrangement (1) with two valve openings (5, 6) in a valve plate (3), the opening degrees of said openings being controllable by means of a valve element, which is rotatable in relation to the valve plate (3). It is endeavored to create a large range of control opportunities in a cost-efficient manner. For this purpose it is provided that in parallel to at least one valve opening (5, 6) a ventilation channel (9) is arranged, whose flow cross-section is adjustable by means of a motor controlled valve (10). The ventilation valve arrangement (1) can be dimensioned so that at the same time it serves as underpressure valve for a transport container.