Hazardous Material Cargo Container Sealing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo containers designed for hazardous and radioactive materials are costly to produce, often not certified for reuse, and have complex sealing mechanisms that increase user error and radiation exposure, while existing containers may not be compatible or certified for transporting hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A cargo container design featuring a frame and housing with a tortuous path and dual gasket system for sealing, including a seal arrangement with flaps and a carbon filter to prevent leakage, and a locking mechanism for secure closure, which can be retrofitted to existing containers to meet certification standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo containers are designed with complex sealing mechanisms to ensure safety, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent gaskets (first gasket, second gasket, third gasket) positioned at different locations. Each gasket provides a separate sealing function, so if one fails, others remain effective. This segmentation improves reliability without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested sealing where gaskets are positioned within grooves and against surfaces in a layered configuration. The first gasket seals against the lid, the second gasket provides an additional seal within the groove, and the third gasket seals at another level, creating a nested defense system that enhances reliability through multiple barriers.
2Reliability
If cargo containers are designed with complex latches and sealing mechanisms, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gaskets are designed to be elastomeric materials that automatically deform and seal when the lid is placed on the container. The sealing action occurs passively through the natural elasticity of the gaskets being compressed between the lid and container body, eliminating the need for manual sealing operations or complex actuating mechanisms.
3Reliability
If cargo containers are designed with increased quality control and structural integrity, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric gaskets (flexible materials) to provide the sealing function rather than requiring precision-machined rigid sealing surfaces. These flexible gaskets can be manufactured as simple molded parts and installed in grooves, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable sealing through the material's elastic properties.
4Productivity
If cargo containers are designed for certification and reuse, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gaskets are designed as replaceable components that can be removed, inspected, cleaned, and reused multiple times. If a gasket becomes damaged or degraded, it can be individually replaced without discarding the entire container assembly. This approach enables container reuse and recovery of valuable components while maintaining certification standards.
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 design enhances the structural integrity and safety of cargo containers, reduces costs by allowing reuse, and minimizes user error and radiation exposure through efficient sealing and locking mechanisms, while ensuring compliance with regulatory testing standards.
Implementation Method 1
The first gasket may be sandwiched between the flange and the lid for fluidly sealing the lid to the flange to inhibit hazardous materials from moving from the interior storage space to an outer environment
Implementation Method 2
the housing is configured to deflect at least a portion of air borne hazardous materials away from the first gasket such that the tortuous path further inhibits passage of hazardous material from the interior storage space to the outer environment
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo container and method for transporting hazardous material includes a housing, a frame, and a lid, or, alternatively a door. The frame and housing define an opening and an interior storage space for containing the hazardous material. The lid or door is operatively connected to the frame and covers the opening for inhibiting access to the interior storage space. A first gasket fluidly seals the lid or door for inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to an outer environment. Additionally, the cargo container may include a second gasket, a seal arrangement, and/or a tortuous path for deflecting airborne hazardous materials from the first gasket and further inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to the outer environment.