Motorized Sealed Cell Door Hinge for Compact Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double door connection systems for sealed containers and cells require additional space for motorized doors, and operators need to manually access and maneuver the doors, increasing the cell's dimensions and complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
A motorized hinge assembly with an integrated electric motor and gearbox allows controlled opening and closing of the door within a compact design, eliminating the need for additional space and manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized door system is added to enable controlled door operation, then door operation control is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the hinge assembly, merging the door actuation function with the hinge structure. This eliminates the need for separate motor housings and control mechanisms, achieving controlled door operation while minimizing additional complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested within the hinge structure, with the motor shaft directly driving the hinge pin. This nesting approach allows the motorized control system to be contained within the existing hinge footprint, improving operational control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized door system is added to enable controlled door operation, then door operation control is improved, but the cell dimensions and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is combined with the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate motor housings and mounting structures. This integration allows controlled door operation to be achieved within the existing cell footprint without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is positioned in a planar configuration within the hinge assembly, utilizing the two-dimensional space of the hinge structure rather than requiring three-dimensional external space. This dimensional approach allows motorized control without increasing the cell's external dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If manual access through a glove ring is provided for door operation, then ease of manual operation is improved, but the cell dimensions and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized hinge assembly operates the door autonomously without requiring manual intervention through a glove ring. The system serves itself by using the motor to automatically open and close the door, eliminating the need for structural modifications like glove rings in the cell wall.
4Ease of operation
If the hinge contains an integrated motor and gearbox, then door operation control is improved, but the hinge complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor, gearbox, and hinge components are merged into a single integrated assembly. The motor shaft directly drives the hinge pin through the gearbox, eliminating the need for separate linkages and control mechanisms. This merging approach achieves controlled operation while minimizing overall structural complexity.
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
The compact motorized hinge assembly enables controlled door operation without increasing cell size, simplifying access and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge contains an electric motor for opening and closing the door in a controlled manner
Implementation Method 2
the hinge contains a gearbox coupled to the motor for driving the rotary element
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for a sealed transfer cell, including a flange, a hinge, and a door connected to the flange by the hinge which can be moved between an open state and a closed state, the flange including central opening sealed by the door when this door is closed. The hinge includes a cylindrical rotary element securely connected to the door and two fixed bearings securely connected to the flange, the rotary element extending between the two bearings having two ends each engaged in a bearing, and this hinge contains an electric motor for opening and closing the door in a controlled manner.