Docking Seal for Flexible Casings via Sliding Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a securely manipulatable docking seal and method for the contamination-free connection and reconnection of flexible casings, particularly for safe handling of toxic powdery substances during sampling and weighing.

Innovation Solution

A docking seal system comprising sliding seal devices with docking and end ports that allow for a throughflow channel to be created for contamination-free transport, featuring sliders that can be easily operated to connect and disconnect the casings, with optional zip closures and suspension elements for secure handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional shut-off devices with heavy housings and rigid bearings are used to ensure leak-free contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking seal is divided into two separate seal devices (first seal device with first slider, second seal device with second slider) that can be independently operated. Each seal device independently seals one flexible casing, allowing simplified individual operation while maintaining overall sealing reliability through the coordinated action of both devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces rigid bearings with sliders that can dynamically move between docking position (for sealing) and throughflow position (for material transfer). This dynamic design allows the same component to adapt to different operational states, reducing the need for complex rigid support structures while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional docked seals are used for flexible casings, then contamination protection is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to complex manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slider mechanism is designed to be self-contained within each seal device, with the sliders automatically maintaining sealing contact with the docking ports through their own weight and spring forces. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex external actuation mechanisms, making the device easier to operate while maintaining contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex locking mechanisms to prevent contamination, the patent inverts the approach by using simple sliders that naturally maintain sealing through their positioning. The sealing is achieved by the default position of the sliders, and opening for material transfer is achieved by moving the sliders, simplifying the operation while maintaining contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If flexible casings are designed for contamination-free connection, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination-free connection reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The docking port and slider design is universal and can be applied to both the first and second seal devices with identical or mirrored configurations. This universality simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardization of components while ensuring reliable contamination-free connection through consistent design across both seal devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If rapid material transfer between flexible casings is enabled, then productivity is improved, but contamination risk and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer speedVSAvoidcontamination-free transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slider mechanism enables continuous operation by allowing seamless transition between docking position (sealing) and throughflow position (material transfer). The throughflow channel is pre-formed and ready for immediate use when sliders are moved to the throughflow position, eliminating the need for additional opening/closing steps and maintaining contamination-free transfer throughout the continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12172802B2Docking seal and docking method for the contamination-free connection of a first flexible casing with a second flexible casing, first and second flexible casings connectable contamination-free using such docking seal as well as use of such docking seal for the safe handling of toxic powdery particulate substances

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 ANDOCKSYSTEME G UNTCH GMBH

AI summary

A docking seal for the contamination-free connection of a first flexible casing or enveloping enclosure with a second flexible casing, comprising a first seal device which is connectable or is connected with the first casing, and a second seal device which is connectable or is connected with the second casing, wherein the first seal device includes a first docking port, a first end port and a first slider, and the second seal device comprises a second docking port, a second end port and a second slider. The invention, furthermore, relates to a docking method for the contamination-free connection of a first flexible casing with a second flexible casing with such a docking seal.