Curtain track seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sealing the rear doors of container refrigeration units using curtains are tedious, inconsistent, and prone to damage, leading to air leaks that can compromise the controlled atmosphere air quality system.
Innovation Solution
A curtain track sealing adapter is designed to fit into existing curtain tracks, forming a cavity that receives the entire periphery of the curtain and seal element, using a snap-fittable polymeric material with flanges and a body that conforms to the track's topography, allowing for reliable and repeatable sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat plastic ribbon is inserted into a curtain track to seal rear doors, then the curtain can be installed, but the process is tedious and inconsistent leading to variability in the rear door seal
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the curtain track and the curtain. The adapter includes a body with an interior cavity that receives the curtain periphery and seal element, providing a standardized interface that eliminates the need for tedious manual insertion of flat plastic ribbons while ensuring consistent sealing performance across all installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into separate functional components: the sealing adapter (with body, flanges, and cavity), the curtain, and the seal element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a standardized manner, improving both ease of operation and sealing consistency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat plastic ribbon is used to seal the curtain, then installation can be performed, but the curtain can be damaged causing air leaks that prevent the CA air quality system from operating properly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing adapter body is designed with a compliant material that provides cushioning and protection for the curtain during installation and operation. The interior cavity of the adapter body cradles and protects the curtain periphery and seal element, preventing damage that could cause air leaks and ensuring reliable operation of the CA air quality system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing adapter is formed from a compliant material that can deform to accommodate the curtain and seal element, then maintains a consistent sealing pressure. This parameter change from rigid to compliant material ensures both ease of installation and reliable air leak prevention.
3Manufacturing precision
If a sealing adapter with cavity is used to receive the entire periphery of the curtain and seal element, then consistent and secure sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing adapter combines multiple functions into a single component: the body with interior cavity provides structural support and cushioning, while also serving as the sealing interface. The flanges integrate the adapter to the curtain track, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced sealing capability.
4Productivity
If the sealing adapter is snap-fittable into the curtain track, then quick installation is enabled, but the adapter must be precisely formed to match the track topography
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing adapter is formed from a compliant material that can elastically deform during snap-fit installation into the curtain track, then maintains a precise fit once installed. This compliant material property allows for quick installation while achieving the necessary precision to match the track topography, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and fit precision.
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 adapter ensures a consistent and secure seal, preventing air leaks and facilitating quick installation, thereby maintaining the integrity of the controlled atmosphere within the container refrigeration unit.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing adapter is formed of compliant material... the body includes polymeric material... the second side of the body conforms to an interior topography of the curtain track
Data Source
AI summary
A container refrigeration unit (10) is provided. The container refrigeration unit includes a container (20), a curtain (30), a seal element (40) and a sealing adapter (50). The container includes sidewalls defining an open end (26) and a curtain track (27) proximate the open end. The curtain is sized to cover the open end. The sealing adapter is fittable to the curtain track. An entire periphery of the curtain and an entirety of the seal element are sequentially fittable to the sealing adapter.