External Lever Sealed Transfer Door for Faster Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed transfer devices between enclosed volumes are cumbersome, difficult to operate, and require complex mechanisms, posing risks to operators and risking seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A sealed transfer device with a manual external control lever and bayonet connections, utilizing a hinge mechanism with offset rotational pins and locking members to simplify and secure door opening and closing without breaking the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding rack and pinion system is used to control the door, then the door can be opened and closed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires several turns of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex rack and pinion system where multiple rotations are needed, the invention inverts the approach by using a direct lever connection to the hinge pin. This allows the door to be opened or closed in a single lever movement rather than requiring multiple rotational turns, dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
2Extent of automation
If motorized mechanisms are used to actuate doors remotely, then automation is improved, but the device becomes more complex and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the motorized mechanisms from the system, replacing them with a simple manual external control lever. This eliminates the complexity associated with motors, electrical systems, and remote actuation mechanisms while maintaining the essential function of door control from outside the enclosed volume, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed to be operated directly by the user's hand from outside the enclosed volume, eliminating the need for complex remote actuation systems. The lever mechanically directly actuates the hinge pin, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring motors, electrical connections, or complex transmission mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If control mechanisms are placed inside enclosed volumes, then control is improved, but the risk to operators and seal integrity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an external control lever as an intermediary mechanism that allows the user to operate the door from outside the enclosed volume. This intermediary lever transmits force mechanically through the hinge pin without requiring the operator to enter or contact the enclosed space, thereby maintaining control accessibility while eliminating operator risk and seal breach risk.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sealed transfer between two enclosed volumes, comprising a first flange and a second flange (10) which define a passage opening into the enclosed volumes and can be secured to each other by a first bayonet connection, a first door and a second door (11) which close off the passage openings and can be secured to each other by a second bayonet connection, the first door (11) being hingedly mounted on the first flange (10) by means of a hinge (4) comprising a hinge pin, characterized in that the device comprises an external manual control lever (9) which is secured to a rotary pin penetrating the first flange (10) and which is coupled to the hinge pin in such a way that the actuation of the control lever (9) drives the hinge pin, thus opening or closing the first door (11).