Filling Lock With Segmented Closing Elements For Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling locks require separate adjustment devices with high energy consumption and risk of failure due to complex mechanisms, making them unsuitable for battery operation and prone to blockages, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The filling lock employs multiple fixed-position closing elements at different distances from the passage's upper end, allowing selection of various holding volumes without a separate adjustment mechanism, using proven control mechanisms and standard components to minimize energy consumption and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate adjustment device with electric motors and switches is used to vary the volume, then the holding volume can be differentiated, but the device complexity increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure means are divided into multiple independent closing elements (first closing element, second closing element) that can be controlled separately. Each closing element can be positioned independently to define different holding volumes, eliminating the need for a complex single adjustment device while maintaining volume differentiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection of different holding volumes by controlling the positions of multiple closing elements. The regulating means enable the closing elements to be positioned at different levels, providing adaptable volume control without requiring a complex adjustment mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate adjustment device with electric motors is used, then volume can be varied, but the energy consumption increases making it unsuitable for battery operation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the volume control into multiple independent closing elements that can be controlled by simple regulating means rather than powerful electric motors, the energy consumption is significantly reduced. The simpler control mechanism requires minimal power, making the system suitable for battery operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment device is used, then volume can be varied, but the reliability decreases due to risk of blockages and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent closing elements with simple control mechanisms rather than a complex adjustment device. This segmentation reduces the risk of blockages and failures, improving reliability while maintaining volume differentiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating means automatically control the closing elements to provide the desired holding volume without requiring complex user intervention or adjustment operations, reducing the risk of user-error related blockages and failures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple closing elements are used at different distances, then different holding volumes are defined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple closing elements serve multiple functions: they define different holding volumes, provide secure closure at different levels, and can be controlled independently or together. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment devices while maintaining versatile volume options.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filling lock (1) for interacting with a receiving container for inserting products, such as waste, comprises a housing (2) with a passage (19), at the upper end (3) of which there is a lid (6). At a distance below the upper end (3) closure means (7,8) are provided. The lid (6) is displaceable between an open position for inserting waste and a closed position. The closure means (7,8) are displaceable between a closed position for determining a holding volume between the upper end (3) and the closure means (7,8) which are in the closed state, and an open position for discharging waste from the passage (19). Furthermore, the closure means are provided with at least two closing elements (7,8) which are situated at different distances below the upper end (3) of the passage (19) for determining different holding volumes associated with those different distances.