Device for separating two spaces from one another
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to efficiently and selectively separate or communicate two adjoining spaces or environments, particularly when bulk solid materials are involved, as they often trap materials between apertures and shutters during closure, risking damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A device with a shutter featuring a resiliently yielding edge, which moves against an elastic biasing force to avoid trapping obstacles, allowing the aperture to open or close while ensuring safe operation and preventing material entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is used to selectively open and close an aperture between two spaces, then the separation and communication of spaces is achieved, but bulk solid material may become trapped between the aperture and shutter during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter incorporates a resiliently yielding edge (flexible element) that can deform under pressure from trapped bulk material during closure. This flexibility allows the shutter to continue moving to its closed position without being blocked by obstacles, preventing material entrapment while maintaining the sealing function. The resilient edge acts as a flexible component that yields to obstacles and then returns to its original position, ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter edge changes its physical state from rigid to flexible during the closure operation. By making the edge resiliently yielding, it can adapt its shape and position in response to trapped material, allowing complete closure without obstruction. This parameter change in the shutter's mechanical properties enables it to handle bulk material effectively.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shutter is made rigid to ensure precise closure, then the separation effectiveness is improved, but the shutter may be damaged by obstacles during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently yielding edge is implemented as a flexible component that can deform under load from obstacles during closure. This flexibility prevents damage to the shutter structure while still allowing the aperture to be effectively closed. The flexible edge absorbs impact forces from trapped bulk material, protecting the rigid portions of the shutter from damage.
3Reliability
If the aperture is completely closed to separate the two spaces, then the separation effectiveness is improved, but bulk material may remain trapped between the aperture and shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently yielding edge allows the shutter to maintain complete closure for effective separation while simultaneously yielding to trapped bulk material. The flexible edge deforms to accommodate obstacles, preventing them from being trapped between the shutter and aperture, then returns to its original position to maintain the seal. This dual capability ensures both effective separation and prevention of material entrapment.
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 device effectively separates or connects two spaces without trapping bulk materials, ensuring safe operation and maintaining the integrity of the device by allowing the shutter to close fully even if an obstacle is present, preventing damage and ensuring easy removal of trapped objects.
Implementation Method 1
The port has a resiliently yielding edge portion which is biased to a rest position and being capable of moving away from said rest position against an elastic biasing force if during closure of said shutter an obstacle obstructs the movement of the shutter with respect to the partition wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating a first space and a second space from one another is disclosed. The device comprises a partition wall, arranged such that the first space and the second space are located on opposite sides of said partition wall. The partition wall is provided with a through aperture, which connects the first space and the second space and allows a bulk material to move from the first space into the second space. A shutter is provided, slidingly movable with respect to the partition wall, for selectively opening and closing the through aperture. The shutter has a port, which can be selectively brought in an alignment position and in an out-of-alignment position with respect to the through aperture.