Inflatable Seal Valve for Nanoparticle Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with double valves for handling submicronic particles or nanopowders face issues with optimal safety and convenience, particularly when pressure differentials occur, and require multiple handling steps during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A container design with inflatable seals and clamping mechanisms for the loading and unloading valves, allowing for improved sealing and reduced handling steps by changing the physical state of particles within the container while maintaining a sealed environment, and using separate valves for loading and unloading to facilitate easier handling and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a container with double valves is used for handling submicronic particles, then the particles can be isolated and transported, but the sealing is not optimal when pressure differentials greater than 400 mbar occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the sealing system by introducing inflatable seals that can be inflated with gas to enhance sealing. The seals transition from a deflated state (allowing valve operation) to an inflated state (providing enhanced sealing against pressure differentials up to 2000 mbar), thus adapting the sealing parameter to match operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is made dynamic through the inflatable seal mechanism. The seals can be inflated or deflated as needed during different operational phases (transport vs. valve operation), allowing the system to adapt its sealing strength dynamically rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining tight seals and allowing valve functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple handling steps are used for loading and unloading particles, then the particles can be safely transferred, but the process is not convenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading and unloading operations into a single integrated process. By equipping the container with separate but integrated loading and unloading valves, each with its own inflatable seal, the system allows particles to be loaded through one valve and unloaded through another without requiring complete discharge and reloading, thus reducing handling steps while maintaining safety through sealed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable seals are inflated in advance before particle transfer operations to ensure sealing is already in place before any pressure differentials develop during loading or unloading. This preliminary sealing action prevents particle escape and maintains safety throughout the extended handling process.
3Ease of operation
If the container is opened for loading or unloading, then particles can be transferred, but particle escape and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable seals act as intermediaries between the internal container environment and the external environment during valve operations. When valves are opened for particle transfer, the inflated seals maintain a barrier that prevents particle escape and external contamination, allowing convenient loading and unloading while mitigating harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The container maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere inside, and the inflatable seals preserve this environment during loading and unloading operations. By keeping the seals inflated during particle transfer, the system prevents external air or contaminants from entering while allowing particle movement through the valves, thus protecting the particle integrity.
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
Enhances the safety and convenience of handling submicronic particles by ensuring tighter sealing and reducing the number of handling steps, while maintaining the integrity of the particles during transport and processing.
Implementation Method 1
A container (1) is disclosed whose loading valve (3) is provided with an inflatable seal (40), and this seal (40) can be inflated after loading but before transporting the container (1)
Implementation Method 2
whose unloading valve (4) is provided with an inflatable seal (40), and these two seals (40) are preferably inflated during transport
Implementation Method 3
A container (1) is disclosed whose unloading valve (4) is provided with clamping means making it possible to clamp this valve (4) in its closed position in a tight sealing manner
Implementation Method 4
and/or means as described above for creating a vacuum in the space between its pivoting plate and the cover (or casing)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention concerns a container with improved sealing, for improved security in the event of loading, transporting and/or unloading submicron particles, in particular nanopowder/nanoparticles. Such a container can, for example, include a connector for injecting liquid and/or gas. Such a container can also contain at least one inflatable seal (40) valve (3; 4). The container is provided with means for changing the physical state of the material by heating, mixing or ultrasound bombardment. The invention also concerns a method for using the container according to the invention. The invention also concerns an inflatable seal valve.