Inflatable Seal Pressure Control for Repeated Object Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal systems face challenges in breaking flexible seals to allow for the removal and insertion of objects without damaging the seal, particularly in applications like carbon sequestration units where repeated inflation and deflation are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A coupled dual pump system connected to a deformable seal, utilizing a double acting kinematic cylinder with pistons and a pressure control chamber, alternately inflates and deflates the seal by transferring force through a rigid coupler, enabling efficient inflation and deflation of the seal to facilitate object insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible seal is used to seal an object, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal cannot be broken for removal and insertion of objects without damage to the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a static flexible membrane to a dynamic structure that can be actively inflated and deflated. The pump system controls the seal's state, allowing it to be rigid when sealed and flexible when needing object insertion/removal, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the seal is changed by altering its internal pressure. When inflated, the seal maintains its shape and sealing integrity; when deflated, it becomes flexible enough to allow object passage. This parameter change (pressure state) enables both effective sealing and easy object removal/insertion.
2Reliability
If the seal is inflated to maintain sealing, then sealing integrity is improved, but object removal and insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal undergoes periodic inflation and deflation cycles controlled by the pump system. During the inflated phase, sealing integrity is maintained; during the deflated phase, objects can be easily inserted or removed. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by separating the two requirements in time.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's mechanical properties are dynamically adjusted through pressure control. When high seal integrity is needed, the seal is inflated; when object insertion/removal is needed, the seal is deflated. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to meet both requirements at different times.
3Device complexity
If a single pump system is used for seal inflation, then device complexity is reduced, but repeated inflation and deflation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Two pump systems are merged into a single integrated apparatus with coupled cylinders and pistons. The pistons are mechanically linked through a rigid coupler, allowing one piston's motion to drive the other, enabling simultaneous or alternating inflation and deflation operations while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled pump system serves multiple functions: it can inflate one seal while deflating another, or alternately inflate and deflate the same seal. This multi-functionality increases productivity by eliminating the need for separate pump operations, while the integrated design keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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
This solution allows for the repeated, damage-free insertion and removal of objects by effectively managing the seal's inflation and deflation, maintaining low leakage and ensuring the integrity of the seal during the process.
Implementation Method 1
alternatingly in time pumping a gas into a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a first piston in a first partially sealed cylinder... alternating inflate and deflate a seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for: (1) alternatingly in time inflating and deflating a sealed compartment that includes: a first flexible and deformable seal connected to a pressure control chamber; (2) alternatingly in time pumping a gas into a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a first piston in a first partially sealed cylinder of a double acting kinematic cylinder, the double acting kinematic cylinder further comprising a second partially sealed cylinder, including: a second piston and the pressure control chamber, the pressure control chamber both on a first side of the second piston and within the second partially sealed cylinder; and (3) transferring a force from the first piston to the second piston via a rigid coupler affixed at a first end to the first piston and at a second end to the second piston, such as to alternating inflate and deflate a seal.