Door Arrangement With Double-Hinged Chute For Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door arrangements for transferring components between closed volumes generate turbulence, breaking the laminar flow protection barrier and risking contamination, while also being bulky and difficult to implement and clean.
Innovation Solution
A door arrangement with a double-jointed link mechanism for the discharge chute, allowing rotational movement around parallel and perpendicular axes, driven by a micromotor, and a double-hinged link mechanism for the door, minimizing turbulence and facilitating easy cleaning and optimal bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a prior art transfer device is used to move components between enclosed volumes, then component transfer is enabled, but turbulence is generated that breaks the laminar flow protective barrier and risks contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (maintaining laminar flow) and a discharge state (enabling component transfer). The chute can rotate about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, transitioning from a position where it does not interfere with laminar flow to a position where it enables controlled discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge chute acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the two enclosed volumes. It provides a controlled interface for component transfer while maintaining the integrity of the laminar flow barrier when not in use. The chute's movable design allows it to serve as a temporary bridge for transfers without permanently compromising the protective barrier.
2Productivity
If a prior art transfer device is used, then component transfer is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to implement and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is segmented into distinct functional elements: a fixed flange assembly, a movable discharge chute, and a door mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the chute can be designed for easy cleaning with smooth surfaces and no dead zones, while the flange provides structural stability. The modular design simplifies both implementation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge chute transitions from a static, space-consuming structure to a dynamic, space-efficient mechanism. When retracted, the chute occupies minimal space and presents a smooth, easily cleanable surface. The movable design eliminates the need for large clearance zones and complex support structures that would be required for a fixed device of equivalent functionality.
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 solution effectively minimizes turbulence during component transfer, maintains containment integrity, and provides a compact, easily cleanable design for transferring components between closed volumes.
Implementation Method 1
the discharge chute is fixed to the flange by means of a first double-articulated linkage mechanism comprising a first articulation arranged to permit rotational movement around an axis parallel to the axis of passage of the opening and a second articulation arranged to permit rotational movement around an axis perpendicular to the axis of passage of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a door arrangement (1) for a door with a first closed space, the arrangement permitting a sealed connection between the first closed space and a second closed space, and comprising a flange (2) defining an opening plane and a passage axis (O) perpendicular to the opening plane, a door (4) pivotably mounted on the flange (2) and a chute for discharging (10) components which is movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned opposite the passage opening and a position in which the chute is spaced apart from the passage opening, the chute being attached to the flange (2) by means of a first double-hinged connection mechanism (11) comprising a first hinge (12) arranged to permit a rotational movement about an axis (C) parallel to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening and a second hinge (13) arranged to permit a rotational movement about an axis (D) perpendicular to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening.