Pneumatic Transport Landing Device for Quiet Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic transport systems generate loud impacts and potential damage to containers and receptacles due to container collisions, disrupting communication and causing wear on system components.

Innovation Solution

A landing device with a deformable landing platform and a friction-reducing coating is installed within the container receptacle without modifying existing components, absorbing impact energy and reducing noise and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a container impacts the container receptacle directly, then the container can be stopped and positioned, but loud noise is generated and damage occurs to the container and receptacle components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer positioningVSAvoidnoise and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a landing device with energy-absorbing material before the container impacts the receptacle. The landing device includes a body made of energy-absorbing material that deforms upon impact, absorbing kinetic energy and reducing the harmful effects of the container's impact on the receptacle components and surrounding area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The landing device serves as an intermediary between the container and the container receptacle. It is positioned between the container and the receptacle components, absorbing impact energy through deformation and preventing direct transmission of force to the receptacle, thereby reducing noise and damage while maintaining container positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the container receptacle is modified to reduce impact damage, then noise and damage are reduced, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact damageVSAvoidreceptacle modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the impact absorption function from the container receptacle itself. Instead of modifying the receptacle structure, the landing device is installed as a separate, removable component within the receptacle. This allows the receptacle to remain simple while the landing device provides impact absorption through its own deformation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The landing device is designed to be self-installing and self-absorbing. It can be installed without removing existing receptacle components and automatically absorbs impact energy through its deformation material, eliminating the need for complex receptacle modifications while providing effective impact protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If energy-absorbing material is added to the container receptacle, then impact energy is absorbed, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidlanding device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the deformation characteristics of energy-absorbing materials. The landing device body is made from material that changes its physical state or shape in response to impact forces, transforming kinetic energy into deformation energy. This simple parameter-based energy absorption mechanism avoids complex structural designs while effectively reducing impact energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 landing device effectively absorbs impact energy, minimizing noise and damage to containers and receptacles while maintaining system functionality without additional modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a first material configured to at least partially deform in response to the container impacting the landing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The impact may be absorbed by a landing device that includes elements configured to absorb the impact energy of the container, e.g., by partially deforming in response to the impact by the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a second material disposed over the first material, the second material configured to facilitate removal of the container from the container receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12365552B2Pneumatic transport system landing device

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

In some examples, a landing device is configured to be disposed within a container receptacle of a pneumatic transport system, the landing device comprising: a landing platform defining a landing surface for a container of the pneumatic transport system, the landing platform comprising: a first material configured to at least partially deform in response to the container impacting the landing surface; and a second material disposed over the first material, the second material configured to facilitate removal of the container from the container receptacle; and a base mechanically connected to a second surface of the landing platform, the base configured to secure the landing device to the container receptacle, wherein the landing device is configured to be inserted into the container receptacle without removing one or more components of the container receptacle.