Detachable Nesting Port Assembly for Isolated Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material transfer systems, such as rapid transfer ports, face limitations in design complexity, manufacturing cost, and portability, and are primarily suited for fixed installations, while partial isolation systems rely on flexible and disposable materials, lacking adaptability and robustness for varied industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A detachable nesting port assembly comprising hinged frame members with inter-locking mechanisms and transfer sleeves, allowing for secure and sealable material transfer between contained systems, enhancing portability and adaptability across different industry and safety requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rapid transfer ports are designed with hinge and locking mechanisms for secure material transfer, then system isolation and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port assembly is divided into separate male and female components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has its own hinge and locking mechanism, allowing for modular construction that maintains isolation reliability while reducing overall system complexity through standardized sub-assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The male port assembly nests within the female port assembly when connected, with the male frame members fitting inside the female frame members. This nested configuration maintains secure isolation while simplifying the external structure and reducing manufacturing complexity through compact integration
2Reliability
If rapid transfer ports are designed for permanent installation in fixed systems, then system isolation and reliability are improved, but portability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The port assembly transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The male and female ports can be connected when isolation is needed and disconnected when portability is required, with hinges and locking mechanisms that facilitate repeated assembly and disassembly while maintaining isolation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The port assembly design allows the same male and female components to be used across different contained systems and applications. The standardized interface and isolation mechanisms provide universal applicability, enabling the system to function both as a permanent installation and as a portable solution for various industrial applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable nesting port assembly is used for material transfer, then portability and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into male and female ports with identical hinge and locking mechanism designs. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of interchangeable parts, reducing overall complexity through repetition of proven sub-assemblies rather than designing unique complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of male ports within female ports creates a compact, portable assembly that is easy to store and transport. The nesting simplifies the external geometry and reduces the number of separate components that must be managed, offsetting the complexity of the hinge and locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative port assembly includes a male port assembly including a male frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged male frame members rotatable about a first axis, the first and second hinged male frame members being sealable therebetween. A first transfer sleeve is attachable to the male port assembly and is configured to operably connect the male port assembly with a first volume. A female port assembly includes a female frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged female frame members rotatable about a second axis that is coaxially alignable with the first axis. The first and second hinged female frame members are sealable therebetween, and the female frame sub-assembly is sealable with the male frame sub-assembly. A second transfer sleeve is attachable to the female port assembly and is configured to operably connect the female port assembly with a second volume.