Containment Door Seal Interface for Rotation-Resistant Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealed connection devices for containment enclosures face challenges with seal deformation and failure due to recurring stress from rotational movements during repetitive transfer operations, leading to containment breakdown.

Innovation Solution

The device employs annular seals with an outer bead and a non-smooth tubular inner peripheral face, integrated into a cylindrical coupling interface, providing enhanced resistance to friction and stability during rotational movements, and is made from materials that minimize remanence and promote anti-friction surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rotational movement is used to lock and unlock doors for product transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but seal reliability deteriorates due to recurring stress causing deformation and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidseal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rotational mechanical locking system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling means enable the door to be locked to the flange without rotational movement, thereby eliminating recurring mechanical stress on the seal while maintaining ease of operation through magnetic attraction and release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic coupling means as an intermediary between the door and flange. This magnetic intermediary transfers the locking function without requiring direct mechanical engagement that would stress the seal, allowing the seal to remain in a stable position while the door is securely locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional lip seals are used in rotational connection devices, then ease of manufacture is improved, but seal durability worsens due to friction and stress during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidseal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for rotational movement in the sealing interface by using magnetic coupling. This substitution removes the friction and recurring stress that would otherwise degrade the seal over time, significantly improving seal durability while maintaining ease of manufacture of the magnetic coupling components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If static sealing environment is created without rotational movement, then seal reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to easily lock and unlock doors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic coupling means to provide a static sealing environment where the seal remains stationary and reliable, while the magnetic attraction and release mechanism provides easy operation for locking and unlocking the door without requiring rotational movement that would compromise seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration ensures a reinforced, stable, and durable seal, similar to static seals, capable of withstanding rotary mechanisms while reducing the risk of seal deformation and containment breakdown.

Implementation Method 1

The seals used in this type of connection device are solid seals, which provide better placement and ensure a satisfactory seal. However, seals of this kind remain unsuitable in a dynamic environment such as that of connection devices which can be actuated by rotational movement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20220397195A1Device for Sealed Connection Between Two Containment Enclosures for Improved Sealing

Publication Date: 2022.12.15 ABC TRANSFER

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for a sealed connection between two doors (2, 5) which are each provided with a coaxial complementary flange (3, 7), one of the doors (5) and the flange (3) of the other door (2) being provided with at least one peripheral seal (1, 4), wherein each of the peripheral seals (1, 4) comprises an annular seal body extended in the outer peripheral portion thereof by an annular bead (11, 41), and wherein the door and the flange having the seals comprise a tubular bearing surface (34, 54) that is complementary to the outer peripheral face (11, 44) of the seal body on the one hand and a circular groove for engagement with the bead on the other hand.