Method and apparatus for ultra-clean seeker transportation and storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced sensor systems are susceptible to particulate contamination during manufacturing, transportation, and storage, requiring cleaner solutions to prevent particle introduction and physical damage, as traditional methods are insufficient for next-generation sensors.
Innovation Solution
The ultra-clean transportation and storage system includes a product storage container with a segmented lid, rollers for rail support, a friction brake, and a transfer cart with a rail system, ensuring reduced particulate generation and safe handling through a cleanroom-rated design with integrated error-proofing and alignment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional storage and transportation methods are used for sensitive sensors, then handling simplicity is maintained, but particulate contamination and physical damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple segments including a base platform, lower lid segment, and upper lid segment that can be separately assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for controlled access to the clean environment while maintaining overall system integrity during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
A cleanroom-rated storage container acts as an intermediary barrier between the sensitive sensor and the contaminated external environment. The container with its sealed enclosure and positive pressure maintenance creates a protective interface that prevents particle introduction during handling and transportation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleanroom-rated sealed containers are used, then particulate contamination is minimized, but ease of operation for access and sealing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into lower and upper portions that can be independently manipulated. The lower lid segment attaches to the base platform while the upper lid segment attaches to the lower lid segment, allowing staged assembly and disassembly that maintains sealing integrity while simplifying operational access
Solution Approach 2:
The lift-off hinges pre-position the upper lid segment in a separated state during assembly, allowing the lower lid segment to be attached first and sealed to the base platform before the upper lid segment is connected. This preliminary positioning facilitates proper sealing alignment while maintaining ease of operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If rollers with grooved sidewalls are used for rail support, then stability and alignment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers have grooved sidewalls with specific local geometric features that engage with corresponding features on the rail. This localized structural modification provides precise alignment and stability only where needed at the contact points, while the rest of the container structure remains simple
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 system effectively minimizes particulate contamination and physical damage during storage and transportation of sensitive equipment, meeting performance requirements for advanced sensors by using a clean, error-proof, and space-efficient means for handling sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of rollers are mounted on a bottom surface of the base platform, each of the rollers having grooved sidewalls configured to receive and roll along ends of a rail
Implementation Method 2
An optional friction brake for the product storage container is mounted to the base platform and includes: a revolving brake pad having an integrated O-ring contact surface and movable between braking and non-braking positions, where the contact surface configured to contact a portion of the rail in the braking position to inhibit movement of the product storage container along the rail
Implementation Method 3
Optional seals within an interface between the lower lid segment and the base platform and between the upper lid segment and the lower lid segment are configured to seal the enclosure
Implementation Method 4
An optional one-way breather valve on the product storage container configured to maintain slight positive internal pressure
Implementation Method 5
an optional gas inlet on the product storage container is configured to allow gas to be injected into the enclosure to purge the interior
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-clean transportation and storage system includes a product storage container with a base having product supports and a segmented lid enclosing the product supports. Rollers on the base have grooved sidewalls receiving a rail to support the product storage container and rolling along the rail edges. Lift-off hinges allow lid removal only after a predetermined rotation. Seals, a one-way breather valve, and a gas inlet allow the interior of the enclosure to be purged. A friction brake on the product storage container has an integrated O-ring contact surface and a housing enclosing complementary acme threads for moving the brake. A transfer cart includes a rail on the lift arm to support the product storage container during movement, and alignment and docking mechanisms on a transfer end effector of the lift are for docking with either a storage spaced on a storage rack or a transfer space on a pass-through.