Pneumatic Carrier Brake Reduces Impact Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tube systems apply high impact forces to carriers and their contents when stopping, which can be harmful and require large, robust equipment to absorb these forces.
Innovation Solution
In-line braking devices that create a closed chamber or use a movable catch to slow down carriers over a distance, reducing deceleration forces through a 'bicycle pump' effect or controlled mechanical engagement, allowing for gradual braking and adaptable deceleration profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pneumatic tube systems use direct stopping mechanisms, then carriers are stopped quickly, but high impact forces are applied to carriers and their contents which can be harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a closed chamber ahead of the carrier that traps air, which then acts as a cushion to gradually decelerate the carrier. The air cushion is prepared in advance before the carrier arrives, allowing the carrier to be slowed down progressively rather than abruptly, thereby reducing impact forces on the carrier contents while still achieving effective stopping.
2Force
If large, robust equipment is used to absorb stopping forces, then carrier stopping is effective, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatics by using trapped air in a closed chamber to provide the stopping force. Instead of requiring large mechanical shock absorbers or robust physical structures, the system uses pneumatic pressure from the trapped air to gradually decelerate and stop the carrier. This approach achieves effective force absorption while maintaining compact equipment size and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If fixed braking characteristics are used, then system operation is simple, but inability to adapt to different carrier weights or payload sensitivities reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the braking characteristics variable rather than fixed. The system can adjust the braking force and deceleration profile based on detected carrier characteristics such as weight or payload sensitivity. This dynamic adaptation allows the same braking mechanism to effectively handle different carrier types while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated control.
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 braking devices effectively reduce the forces applied to carriers and their contents, enabling safe and controlled stopping, and can dynamically adjust braking characteristics based on carrier weight or payload sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The moving carrier creates a positive pressure ahead of itself with a 'bicycle pump' effect. Compression of air ahead of the carrier provides a cushion that slows the carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses braking devices for use in a pneumatic tube system (PTS). The braking devices are adapted for in-line incorporation with a pneumatic tube and are operative to stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. The in-line braking devices allow for decelerating a carrier to a stop over a distance to reduce the forces applied to a carrier and its contents.