Pivotable Coupling Closure Flaps for Contamination-Free Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking devices using half-flap technology are limited by the need for a passive flap matching the active flap, lack flexibility, and often result in contamination due to torque transfer issues and gap formation, especially with larger nominal sizes, requiring complex exhaust and cleaning systems.
Innovation Solution
A coupling closure system with pivotable closing flaps that use complementary partial shafts and engaging elements to transmit torque, eliminating the distinction between active and passive flaps, and featuring a circumferential seal for environmental isolation, allowing for flexible and contamination-free transfer of bulk materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional half-flap technology is used with a passive flap matching the active flap, then the docking system can function for contamination-free transfer, but the system lacks flexibility and requires specific flap configurations for each container
Solution Approach 1:
The closing flap is divided into two independent coupling closures, each with its own pivotable closing flap and drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each closure to operate independently and be matched in any configuration, eliminating the restriction of requiring specific active-passive flap pairings while maintaining contamination-free transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Both coupling closures are designed with identical pivotable closing flaps and drive capabilities, making them universally interchangeable. Either closure can serve as the 'active' or 'passive' component depending on the operational needs, providing flexibility in system configuration and eliminating the need for specific flap matching
2Productivity
If the active flap is pivoted to transfer bulk material, then the passage channel is opened for material flow, but torque transfer to the passive flap causes gap formation at the circumferential rim
Solution Approach 1:
The single flap system is segmented into two independent pivotable closing flaps, each with its own drive mechanism. This eliminates the torque transfer issue between flaps that causes gap formation, as each flap is directly driven and maintains consistent contact with its mating surface throughout the pivoting motion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of one active flap driving another passive flap (which causes torque transfer and gap formation), the system inverts the approach by having two independently driven flaps that both actively participate in the closing and opening action, eliminating the harmful torque transfer effect
3Ease of operation
If the active flap is attached to the stationary container and the passive flap to the mobile container, then the docking system can operate, but the system lacks practical flexibility for direct container-to-container transfer
Solution Approach 1:
Both coupling closures are designed with identical capabilities and can be attached to either stationary or mobile containers. Either closure can be operated independently or both can be operated together for direct container-to-container transfer, providing practical flexibility while eliminating fixed assignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the roles of the two coupling closures can be swapped or adjusted based on operational needs. Both closures have identical pivotable flaps and drive mechanisms, enabling flexible assignment to different container types and operational scenarios
4Area of stationary object
If closing flaps of large nominal size (300-400 mm or larger) are used, then the docking device can handle larger containers, but torque transfer issues exacerbate gap formation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The large nominal size closing flap system is segmented into two independently driven flaps, each handling a portion of the sealing perimeter. This segmentation eliminates the torque transfer problem that exacerbates gap formation in large flaps, as each flap is directly driven and maintains consistent sealing contact across the entire circumferential rim
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on torque transfer from one large flap to another (which causes gap formation), the system uses two independently driven flaps that both actively maintain sealing contact. This inverted approach eliminates the torque-induced gap problem even in large nominal size applications
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 solution enables reliable, user-friendly, and flexible operation of docking devices that prevent contamination and gap formation, even with large nominal sizes, allowing for efficient transfer between stationary and mobile containers without the need for complex cleaning systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one side, particularly both sides, of the closing flap is/are arranged on a bearing, which is open towards the closure side in each case, along the axis with a partial shaft or a partial shaft end, wherein the partial shaft(s) or partial shaft end(s) is/are suitable to form, in arrangement with complementary partial shafts and/or partial shaft ends of another coupling closure, a shaft or a shaft end
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling closure for a docking device used for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. The coupling closure has a closure side and a container side and comprises a nozzle stub and a cap which is mounted in the nozzle stub so as to be pivotable about an axis and has an external side that faces the closure side in the closed position. The invention further relates to a docking device for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. The docking device comprises first and second disclosed coupling closures which can be placed flush against each other by the respective closure sides thereof. The invention also relates to a working platform, a locking unit for a docking device, and a method for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner.