Control Ring Mechanism for Sealed Enclosure Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double door sealed transfer systems require manual rotation of containers, which can be cumbersome due to weight and torque requirements, and are excessively restrictive and repetitive, posing challenges in industrial sectors like nuclear, medical, and pharmaceutical where aseptic or dust-free environments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control ring outside the closed spaces that secures and unlocks flanges and doors without requiring rotation of the closed spaces, using a securing ring and actuating mechanisms accessible outside, allowing for sealed communication between spaces without pivoting one closed space relative to the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual rotation of the container is used to secure flanges and doors, then the sealed connection between spaces is achieved, but the operator effort and torque requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
A control ring is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the securing system. The control ring translates rotational motion into linear displacement of a piston, which then actuates the securing and unlocking mechanisms. This mechanical intermediary reduces the direct torque requirement on the operator by distributing the force through the piston-cylinder mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from direct rotational torque to controlled linear displacement. By converting the rotational motion of the control ring into linear motion of the piston, the system transforms the operator's input from high-torque rotation to lower-effort rotation that drives the piston through a controlled range of motion, thereby reducing overall operator effort.
2Productivity
If rotation of the container or cell flange is used to secure connections, then the sealed transfer is enabled, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring is pre-positioned and the piston is pre-loaded in its cylinder. When the operator rotates the control ring, the piston is already in position to immediately actuate the securing mechanisms upon receiving the rotational input. This preliminary positioning eliminates delays associated with assembling or positioning separate actuating components during the transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple securing functions (flange securing, door securing, and unlocking operations) are merged into a single control ring mechanism. By combining these functions, the system enables sequential actuation of all securing elements through one continuous rotational operation, thereby reducing the total time required compared to operating multiple separate mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If actuating controls are located inside the glove box or cell, then the double door operation can be controlled, but access to the interior is required which increases complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring and its actuating mechanism are extracted from the interior of the glove box or cell and positioned on the exterior. This allows the operator to control the double door operation from outside the sealed environment, eliminating the need for direct access to the interior space and reducing the complexity of internal control mechanisms while maintaining full operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for providing selective communication between two enclosures. The first enclosure includes a first flange and a first door. The second enclosure includes a second flange and a second door. The method includes performing sequentially the steps of arranging the second flange on the first flange, axially maintaining the second flange on the first flange by snap-fitting, securing the first flange to the second flange, securing the first door to the second door, releasing the first door from the first flange, releasing the second door from the second flange, opening the first door relative to the first flange, closing the first door relative to the first flange, securing the first door to the first flange and securing the second door to the second flange, unlocking the first door from the second door, and separating the first door from the second door.