Dual-Seal Module Connector for Hygienic Bulk Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customary seals fail to provide durable and secure sealing, especially under hygiene requirements and varying temperatures, and are prone to leaks due to material fatigue or improper installation.
Innovation Solution
A module connector system featuring a combination of two seals: a primary seal with a crimp region for optimal positioning and a secondary fail-safe seal, both made from elastic materials, which ensures gas-tight connection and redundancy to prevent leaks, even under thermal stress. The system includes an intermediate element like a filter plate and fluidic connections for monitoring and cleaning, enhancing hygiene and sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single seal is used in the flange connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sealing deteriorates due to potential leaks from material fatigue or improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-seal arrangement where a first seal and a second seal are positioned at different locations within the flange connection. The first seal is crimped between flange surfaces while the second seal is received in a recess. This redundant sealing structure provides beforehand protection against sealing failure, ensuring that if one seal fails due to material fatigue or improper installation, the second seal maintains the gas-tight connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different seal configurations at different locations within the flange connection. The first seal is crimped between the first and second flange surfaces, while the second seal is received in a recess between the first flange and the container module. Each seal is positioned optimally to address specific sealing requirements at its location, with the crimped first seal providing primary sealing and the recessed second seal providing backup sealing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the seal is crimped to ensure optimal positioning and prevent particle accumulation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The first seal is pre-crimped between the first flange surface and the second flange surface during the flange connection assembly process. This crimping action is performed as part of the standard flange tightening procedure, where fastening means secure the flanges together, automatically crimping the seal into its final positioned state. The recess for the second seal is pre-formed in the flange structure, allowing the second seal to be easily inserted and positioned during assembly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a dual-seal system with crimp region is implemented, then the durability of sealing is improved under temperature fluctuations, but the device complexity increases due to additional seal components and installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-seal arrangement provides redundant sealing protection against the detrimental effects of temperature fluctuations on seal material. The first crimped seal and the second recessed seal work together to maintain gas-tight connection even when thermal expansion or contraction affects one of the seals. This beforehand cushioning against thermal effects ensures long-term durability of the sealing under varying temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different seal configurations optimized for their specific locations and functions. The first seal is crimped to provide a secure, particle-free sealing interface, while the second seal is positioned in a recess to provide backup sealing and accommodate thermal movement. Each seal's local configuration is optimized for its specific role in maintaining durability under temperature fluctuations.
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 module connector system provides a durable, leak-proof, and hygienic sealing solution that maintains integrity across temperature fluctuations, preventing particle accumulation and ensuring reliable containment of granular or powdery materials, with the secondary seal acting as a fail-safe in case of primary seal failure.
Implementation Method 1
The seal may be formed from an elastic material, such as a plastic. With the aid of screws, wing nuts, or similar fastening means, the flanges of two modules being connected are pressed against each other, generating a pressing force, which exerts a mechanical force or a pressure on the elastic seal.
Implementation Method 2
The first seal has at least one crimp region, which when the first flange is arranged at or on the second flange is crimped by the first and/or the second flange surface, preferably by the first flange surface, such that one end face of the first seal is situated flush and/or aligned with the container inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A module connector for holding and/or transporting of bulk goods for connecting a first container module to a second container module, the container modules being joined together have an aligned container inner surface, a first seal arranged between the first container module and the second container module, a second seal arranged between the first container module and the second container module, the first seal is arranged in a recess and the second seal in a groove, the first seal forming an inner seal and the second seal forming an outer seal, the second seal produces a sealing of the interconnected container modules especially if the first seal fails, the first seal has at least one crimp region, which is crimped by a first and/or second flange surface such that one end face of the first seal is situated flush and/or aligned with the container inner surface without forming a cavity in the area of the end face of the first seal as well as a seal element for the module connector for the sealing of the container.