Double-Door Bayonet Connection With Lug Detection for Sealing Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-door connection devices in confined environments, such as those used in nuclear, medical, and agri-food sectors, face security risks due to partial deterioration of connection lugs, which can lead to sealing failures and loss of confinement.
Innovation Solution
A sealed double-door connection device with a cell flange equipped with bayonet connection means and detectors for each lug, using inductive sensors to ensure exhaustive detection of all lugs before unlocking, and a control unit to authorize unlocking only when all lugs are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bayonet connection means are used without individual lug detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sealing and confinement is compromised due to potential partial deterioration of lugs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple individual detectors, each dedicated to detecting a specific lug. This segmentation allows the system to monitor each lug's presence independently, ensuring that partial deterioration of one lug does not compromise the entire sealing system. The cell flange includes means for detecting the presence of each lug individually, enabling precise monitoring of connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Inductive sensors are introduced as intermediary detection elements between the lugs and the control system. These sensors detect the presence of each lug through electromagnetic induction without direct mechanical contact, providing a reliable signal to the control unit about the integrity of each connection point while avoiding wear and contamination issues.
2Reliability
If exhaustive detection of all lugs is implemented before unlocking, then the security and confinement integrity are improved, but the time required for connection verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection of all lugs is performed as a preliminary action before the unlocking sequence is authorized. The control unit is configured to verify the presence of all lugs through their respective detectors before enabling the unlocking mechanism. This preliminary verification ensures that no lug is missing or deteriorated before the critical unlocking operation, preventing sealing failures while maintaining an efficient workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical verification process is replaced with an electromagnetic detection system using inductive sensors. These sensors rapidly detect the presence of each lug through electromagnetic fields without requiring manual inspection or complex mechanical verification mechanisms, significantly reducing the time required for connection verification while maintaining high reliability.
3Measurement precision
If individual detectors for each lug are installed on the cell flange, then the detection precision of lug presence is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost of the cell flange increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection elements (inductive sensors and their support structures) are extracted as separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the cell flange. This approach allows for specialized manufacturing of the detection subsystem using precision techniques, while the main cell flange body can be manufactured using conventional methods, thereby managing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell flange is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both the mechanical bayonet connection features and the electromagnetic detection features into a single component structure. The flange serves both as the mechanical connection interface and as the mounting platform for the detection system, reducing the total number of separate parts and simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added detection capabilities.
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
Ensures a high level of security by preventing unlocking if any lug is not detected, thereby avoiding sealing failures and maintaining confinement integrity.
Implementation Method 1
using inductive sensors to ensure exhaustive detection of all lugs before unlocking
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed connection device for a double-door connection system comprising a first flange and a first door closing off the first flange, the first flange comprising bayonet connection for connecting an object, the object comprising a second flange closed off by a second door, the second flange being provided with n lugs intended to engage with the bayonet connection of the first flange, the first flange comprising n detectors of the correct assembly of the lugs of the second flange in the bayonet connection, each detector being configured to detect the presence of a lug.