Adjustable Glove Port Positioning Device for Glovebox Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for positioning glove ports in glovebox-type chambers are inefficient, often resulting in incomplete access to the inner volume, leading to costly re-manufacturing of lead-loaded Plexiglas panels and complex prototyping processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable templates and a main post system that allows for precise placement and testing of glove ports on a glovebox structure, enabling operators to determine optimal positions through trial and error, with visual graduation marks for accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If glove ports are positioned based on approximate assessment before making openings, then the process is simple and quick, but the glove ports may not enable complete access to the inner volume
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows preliminary positioning and testing of glove ports on the frame before committing to cutting openings in the expensive lead-loaded Plexiglas panels. Operators can attach templates with glove ports at anticipated positions, test accessibility to the inner volume, and adjust positions as needed before final panel manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses templates as simplified copies or representations of the final panel with glove ports. These templates can be easily attached and repositioned on the frame to simulate the final configuration without requiring actual panel manufacturing, allowing multiple iterations of position optimization
2Manufacturing precision
If panels are re-manufactured with better defined locations, then the glove port positions become accurate, but the cost increases and supply delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables all positioning decisions to be finalized before panel manufacturing begins. By allowing complete testing and adjustment of glove port positions on the frame using templates, the optimal configuration is determined in advance, ensuring that when panels are manufactured, the first attempt yields the correct positions, avoiding re-manufacturing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the positioning determination process from the panel manufacturing process. The template-based positioning system operates independently on the frame, allowing complete position optimization to be completed before the expensive panel manufacturing step, thus preventing time loss from re-manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If prototyping is made with angle beams or profiles, then glove port locations can be tested, but the implementation becomes boring and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex angle beam prototyping with simple templates that replicate only the essential feature needed for testing - the glove port openings. These templates are much simpler structures that can be easily attached to the frame and allow direct testing of glove port positions without the complexity of building full-scale angle beam prototypes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential testing function from complex prototyping - the ability to position and test glove ports. By using templates that contain only the glove port openings and necessary mounting features, the solution removes unnecessary structural complexity while retaining the core testing capability
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple glove ports are placed on prototyping, then complete coverage is achieved, but the complexity increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the multi-port positioning system into independent, identical template units. Each template can be individually attached and positioned on the frame, and all templates follow the same simple design pattern. This modular segmentation allows multiple glove ports to be tested without proportionally increasing complexity, as each unit is a standardized, simple template
Solution Approach 2:
The templates are designed as universal, identical units that can all be used in the same way regardless of position or number. This universality means that adding more glove ports does not require designing new complex structures - the same simple template design is repeatedly used, maintaining low complexity even with multiple ports
Data Source
AI summary
A device is for identifying glove-port positions to be mounted on a panel supported by a glovebox structure which defines a closed chamber enabling an operator to perform handling operations while being isolated from the chamber. The device includes a base, structure for attaching this base to the glovebox structure, and at least one template supported by this base while being movable with respect to this base, in order to be able to occupy different positions with respect to this base. Each template includes an opening which can receive a glove port. The device also includes structure for locking each template in position with respect to the base.