Dewar Vapor Plug Retention Strap for Cryogenic Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dry vapor shippers, such as dewars, lack a retaining device for the vapor plug during transport, leading to potential dislodgment and increased thermal transmission, causing the contents to warm more quickly.

Innovation Solution

A vapor plug retention strap is designed to secure the vapor plug within the neck of a dewar during transport, featuring a main body with a receptacle to receive the vapor plug neck, and adjustable connectors to ensure secure retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retaining device is added to secure the vapor plug during transport, then the vapor plug retention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor plug retentionVSAvoidretention system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention strap incorporates flexible elements and adjustable connectors that can adapt to different vapor plug sizes and positions. The strap can be dynamically adjusted during loading to accommodate various configurations while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention strap utilizes a flexible strap structure that can bend and conform to the geometry of the vapor plug and neck assembly. This flexibility allows the simple strap design to effectively secure variously sized plugs without requiring complex rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the vapor plug is secured tightly to prevent dislodgment, then the retention reliability is improved, but the gas escape function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor plug retentionVSAvoidpressure buildup risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention strap is designed to prevent the harmful action of complete dislodgment and thermal intrusion while maintaining the vapor plug's ability to perform its pressure relief function. The strap applies preliminary restraint that stops excessive movement before it can cause dangerous thermal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system applies partial restraint rather than complete fixation. It provides enough constraint to prevent dislodgment during normal transport vibrations while allowing sufficient movement for the vapor plug to escape if pressure builds up excessively, thus avoiding the harmful effect of complete sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12214938B2Vapor plug retention strap

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CRYOPORT INC

AI summary

Method, system, apparatus, and/or device to secure the vapor plug within the dewar. The vapor plug retention strap includes a first connector, a second connector and a main body. The second connector is configured to couple with the first connector. The main body is coupled in between the first connector and the second connector. The main body has a receptacle formed within that is configured to receive a neck of a vapor plug of a dewar and retain the neck of the vapor plug to secure the vapor plug within the dewar.