Geared Vacuum Sample Container for Hermetic Gas Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum sealable containers lack mechanisms to prevent the release of entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples and maintain a hermetic seal during temperature and pressure changes, posing risks of contamination and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum sealable container with a lid assembly, planetary gearbox, locking assembly, and gas extraction device that forms a hermetic two-way seal, allowing for the removal of gases and preventing atmospheric infiltration, while being operable with bulky gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vacuum sealable container is used, then the container can be sealed, but it cannot prevent release of entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples during temperature and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate functional components: a lid assembly with sealing elements, a body with sample receptacle, and a gas extraction device. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems - the sealing elements prevent atmospheric infiltration while the gas extraction device removes entrained gases from samples
Solution Approach 2:
The gas extraction device is designed to remove entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples before the container is sealed. This preliminary action prevents gas buildup that would otherwise compromise the hermetic seal during subsequent temperature and pressure changes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetic seal is implemented to prevent atmospheric infiltration, then contamination is reduced, but the container cannot accommodate temperature and pressure changes caused by entrained gases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction device performs preliminary removal of entrained gases from samples before sealing. This prevents internal pressure buildup that would otherwise compromise the hermetic seal's ability to maintain stable composition during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements act as an intermediary between the internal sample environment and external atmosphere. They maintain hermetic isolation while the gas extraction device mediates the removal of problematic gases, allowing the seal to function effectively
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is added to prevent lid rotation and ensure sealing, then the seal reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to be manually operable with bulky gloves, allowing astronauts to seal the container themselves without complex automated systems. The snap-fit sealing elements and manual locking mechanism enable self-service sealing while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses parameter changes in the form of rotational movement of the lid assembly to engage disengage sealing elements. This simple parameter change (rotation angle) controls the sealing state without requiring complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum sealable container for securing and transporting extraterrestrial samples includes a container body and a lid assembly detachably coupled to the container body, the lid assembly selectively hermetically sealing the container body. The lid assembly includes an input shaft configured to receive a rotational input; a planetary gearbox including a sun gear fixed to the input shaft and at least one planetary gear configured to receive a torque input via the sun gear; an output shaft coupled to the at least one planetary gear; and a locking assembly coupled with the output shaft. The container may further include a locking assembly operably coupled with the lid assembly.