Cell for storing a set of products in which an air flow through the set of products is implemented and which is equipped with an inflatable sealing device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cells with inflatable sealing devices require a specific inflation sequence, which complicates the inflation process and makes the production of inflation means more complex, and fail to inflate the upper and side sealing elements independently of the presence of products in the cell.
Innovation Solution
A storage cell with an improved inflatable sealing device that comprises a single inflatable chamber for both the upper and side sealing elements, allowing them to be inflated independently of the presence of products, using a single air inlet and a separate fan or air compressor to blow air into this chamber, enabling direct or indirect sealing without a specific sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate inflatable chambers are used for upper and side sealing elements, then each sealing element can be inflated independently, but the inflation process becomes complex and requires a specific inflation sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper sealing element and side sealing elements into a single inflatable chamber that is inflated simultaneously through one air inlet, eliminating the need for complex sequencing and multiple independent inflation systems while maintaining effective sealing contact with products
2Reliability
If the sealing device relies on product presence to generate sufficient pressure drop, then sealing can be achieved during operation, but the sealing elements cannot be inflated independently of product presence
Solution Approach 1:
The single inflatable chamber design allows the sealing system to self-regulate and inflate automatically when the fan operates, using the fan's air flow to inflate the chamber and create sealing contact with products without requiring external intervention or product presence for inflation
3Reliability
If multiple separate inflatable sealing elements are used, then sealing can be achieved on top and sides, but the inflation means become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single inflatable chamber that simultaneously contacts both the top and side surfaces of products, achieving comprehensive sealing coverage while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing the number of separate inflatable components needed
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 simplifies the inflation process, ensures effective sealing regardless of product presence, and maintains air flow direction reversibility, enhancing the storage cell's operational efficiency and product preservation by maintaining temperature and humidity control.
Implementation Method 1
the fan, which, in operation, blows an air flow from the rear to the front of the cell
Implementation Method 2
which inflate under the action of the air pressures in the storage cell when the fan is operating and which, by inflating, are pressed against the set of products so as to achieve a seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The storage cell (1A) has ventilation means (4) which are able to create a rear/front air flow (A) or a front/rear air flow, an inflatable sealing device (7A) and inflation means for inflating the inflatable sealing device. The inflatable sealing device (7A) has an inflatable upper sealing element (70A) and at least one inflatable lateral sealing element (71A; 71B) which make it possible, in the inflated state, to directly or indirectly ensure sealing between the upper wall (12) of the cell and at least a part of the top face (2e) of a set (2) of products (20) positioned in the cell and sealing between at least one lateral wall (10 or 11) of the cell and at least a part of one of the lateral faces (2c or 2d) of this set (2) of products (20). The inflatable upper sealing element (70A) and the inflatable lateral sealing element (71A) delimit a single inflatable chamber (70a/71a), and the inflation means make it possible to inflate the inflatable upper sealing element (70A) and the inflatable lateral sealing element (71A) by blowing air into this single inflatable chamber (70a/71a).