Pneumatic Purging Timer for Sensitive Material Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container purging systems for sensitive materials lack efficient and portable solutions that do not require external electrical power, while ensuring adequate purging and maintaining a controlled atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic or clockwork-based timer system driven by purge gas pressure, which connects a compressed gas source to the container for purging, allowing for self-sustaining operation without external power, and includes a pressure relief valve to maintain internal pressure above ambient, enabling standard or 'super purge' options based on container volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional purging system with external electrical power supply is used, then the purging control and monitoring can be more precise, but the system becomes heavier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical power supply and electronic control components from the purging system, extracting only the essential pneumatic timing function. The system uses a simple pneumatic timer driven by the purge gas pressure itself, eliminating heavy batteries or power sources while maintaining adequate purging control through pneumatic timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge gas pressure serves dual purposes: it both performs the purging function and drives the timing mechanism. The system is self-sustaining, using its own operating medium (compressed gas) to power the timer and control the purging duration, eliminating the need for external electrical power sources.
2Ease of operation
If a portable purging system without external power is used, then the system becomes lighter and more portable, but the purging control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical automation with pneumatic automation. A pneumatic timer uses the compressed gas pressure to drive a timing mechanism that automatically controls the purging duration. The system maintains automation through pneumatic switches and pressure-sensitive components that trigger the purging sequence and timing without electrical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own purge gas pressure to power and control the timing mechanism. The compressed gas serves both to perform the purging function and to drive the automated timing and control sequences, making the system self-sufficient and highly portable.
3Productivity
If the container is purged to higher pressure, then the purging efficiency and atmosphere control improve, but the risk of leakage and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains positive pressure inside the container throughout the purging process, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents contamination. The pressure is kept above ambient to ensure that any potential leaks flow outward from the container rather than allowing external contaminants to enter, thus improving purging efficiency while managing leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes positive pressure conditions before completing the purging process. By maintaining pressure throughout purging and only reducing it after the container is sealed, the system prevents contamination risks that would arise from pressure equalization during the purging operation.
4Measurement precision
If a longer purging time is used, then the atmosphere control and purity improve, but the processing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and pneumatic switches that monitor the purging process in real-time. The system automatically adjusts the purging duration based on pressure differential feedback, terminating the process when adequate purging is achieved. This prevents excessive purging time while ensuring sufficient atmosphere control through objective, measurement-based termination criteria.
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
This solution provides a lightweight, portable, and energy-efficient method for purging containers, ensuring thorough gas exchange without external power, while maintaining a controlled atmosphere, suitable for sensitive materials storage.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure of the stored purge gas serves simultaneously to drive the timing and control of the system
Implementation Method 2
leaving the container with the interior filled with inert gas at a pressure slightly above ambient so that if there is any problem with the sealing, the leakage occurs from the inside of the container to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for purging containers for the storage of sensitive materials is described. It includes means to connect a source of compressed purge gas to a purge gas inlet (2) on a container (1), including a pneumatically operated valve (6) adapted to allow purge gas to pass from the source to the inlet and a timing device (9) associated with the valve (6) and adapted to turn off the gas flow after a given time, and including means to vary the time between commencement and cessation of gas flow. The timing device is preferably one which operates on a pneumatic or clockwork basis, enabling the apparatus to operate without any electrical power supply, driven by the purge gas pressure alone. This enables the construction of a simple reliable unit, at a cost even enabling the unit to be incorporated into the container itself if desired. The use of a pneumatically operated valve enables portable apparatus to be designed with low power use if it includes e.g. electronic sensors to measure a property of the purge gas being exhausted from the container.