Inclined Locking Mechanism for Food Processing Door Seals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food handling equipment, such as paddle mixers, face challenges with ergonomics and hygiene due to cumbersome door operation and seal damage from uneven compression, particularly in large-scale food processing where quick and safe dismounting is required.

Innovation Solution

A food handling apparatus with a door locking device featuring a stationary sliding pin and a rotational unit, where the sliding pin is inclined to increase sealing force and includes a self-locking mechanism, using a plastic portion on a stainless steel surface for controlled friction, allowing ergonomic operation without tools and minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual door closing techniques are used in prior art, then door closing is possible, but it takes a long time and is not ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening and closing operationVSAvoidtime to open door

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device uses a rotational unit that rotates from an open position to a closed position, dynamically transforming the locking mechanism's orientation to automatically engage the sliding pin with the engagement surface, enabling quick and ergonomic door closing without manual threading or complex operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to automatically engage and lock when the rotational unit is rotated to the closed position. The sliding pin automatically engages with the inclined engagement surface, and the self-locking mechanism prevents accidental opening, allowing the system to secure itself without additional manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then door sealing is achieved, but seals are damaged due to uneven compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidseal damage from uneven compression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement surface is specifically designed with an inclined geometry that distributes the locking force evenly across the seal interface. The inclination angle is optimized to progressive compress the seal uniformly, preventing localized stress concentrations that would cause seal damage while maintaining reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If threaded connections are used in the container, then locking is achieved, but threads wear down over time and become a contamination source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidcontamination from thread wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The threading is completely removed from the container structure. Instead of using threaded connections, the invention employs a sliding pin mechanism that engages with an inclined surface on the rotational unit. This extraction of threads eliminates the wear and contamination issues associated with threaded fasteners while maintaining secure locking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional threaded mechanical connection is replaced with a sliding engagement mechanism. The sliding pin moves along an inclined surface during rotation and then engages in a straight-line locking motion, substituting the rotational threading mechanism with a linear sliding engagement that eliminates wear concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient, tool-free opening of large doors with even pressure on seals, ensuring hygiene standards are met and reducing wear and contamination risks, facilitating quick and safe operation of large-scale food processing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

the engagement surface is inclined such that a force applied on the sliding pin by the engagement surface gradually increases when the base portion is rotated in relation to the sliding pin, to thereby press and seal the door against the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 2

using a plastic portion on a stainless steel surface for controlled friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3483362B1Food handling apparatus with locking device

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~9
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A food handling apparatus (1) comprising a container (2), a door (3) for allowing access to the container (2), and at least one locking device (4) for sealing the door (3) against the container (2). The locking device (4) comprises a stationary sliding pin (5) and a rotational unit (6) arranged to receive the sliding pin (5), where the rotational unit (6) has a base portion (7) and a handle (8) for rotating the base portion (7) in relation to the sliding pin (5). The base portion (7) comprises an engagement surface (9) for slidable engagement with the sliding pin (5), and the engagement surface (9) is inclined such that a force applied on the sliding pin (5) by the engagement surface (9) gradually increases when the base portion (7) is rotated in relation to the sliding pin (5), to thereby press and seal the door (3) against the container (2).