Vacuum-Sealable Sample Container With Post-Return Gas Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum sealable containers lack mechanisms for extracting gases from the container after it is returned to Earth, leading to potential contamination and pressure issues due to the release of entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum sealable container with a clamp assembly, a lid assembly, and a gas extraction device that allows for the removal of gases, forming a hermetic two-way seal to prevent gas escape and atmospheric intrusion, and includes features like a compressible O-ring, knife edge seal, and a gearbox mechanism for easy operation with gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vacuum sealable container is used, then the container can be sealed and transported, but gases cannot be extracted after return to Earth, leading to contamination and pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into functionally independent modules: a clamp assembly for sealing, a gearbox mechanism for operation, and a gas extraction device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system integrates multiple functions into a unified design that includes both sealing capabilities and gas extraction capabilities. The clamp assembly with gearbox mechanism provides both sealing and gas extraction functions, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a hermetic seal is formed to prevent gas escape and atmospheric intrusion, then sample integrity is maintained, but the container cannot release entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples
Solution Approach 1:
The container system transitions from a static hermetic seal to a dynamic system that can adapt its sealing state. The clamp assembly can be adjusted to either maintain a hermetic seal for protection or release to allow gas extraction, providing the versatility needed to handle both containment and decompression requirements of extraterrestrial samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sealing parameter from a fixed hermetic state to a variable state that can be adjusted between sealed and open configurations. This allows the container to maintain seal integrity when needed while also enabling gas extraction by changing the sealing parameter, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a manual operation mechanism is used, then the container can be sealed, but it requires dexterity that is limited when wearing bulky gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the sealing action. It translates simple rotational input from a handle into the complex multi-directional movements required for reliable seal formation. This intermediary mechanism allows operators wearing bulky gloves to easily form seals without requiring fine motor dexterity, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct manual manipulation with a mechanical advantage system. The gearbox mechanism converts simple handle rotation into the precise clamp movements needed for sealing, substituting complex manual dexterity requirements with a straightforward mechanical operation that can be performed easily even with bulky gloves, while ensuring reliable seal formation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If gas extraction is added to the container, then entrained gases can be removed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction device is merged with the existing clamp assembly and gearbox mechanism rather than being added as a separate system. The clamp frame and shaft components serve dual purposes: sealing the container and enabling gas extraction. This merging approach allows entrained gases to be removed while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements for multiple functions.
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 container effectively reduces contamination risks and maintains a sealed environment by preventing volatile gas release and atmospheric intrusion, ensuring sample integrity during transport between different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible O-ring
Implementation Method 2
knife edge seal
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 container includes a clamp assembly rotatably coupled to the container body between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lid assembly. The clamps assembly selectively pushes the cap member toward the container body when tightened.