Vacuum-Sealable Sample Container With Gas Extraction Seal

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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 volatilization of entrained gases from extraterrestrial samples.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum sealable container with a gas release fitting and a lid assembly featuring a planetary gearbox and handle mechanism that allows for hermetic sealing and controlled gas extraction, ensuring a two-way seal to prevent gas escape and atmospheric infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional vacuum sealable container is used, then the container can maintain a sealed environment, but it lacks the capability to extract gases from the container after return to Earth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas extraction capabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with multiple functions: it can maintain vacuum sealing during transport and also perform gas extraction after return to Earth. The gas release fitting and planetary gearbox mechanism enable the container to serve both as a sealed transport vessel and a gas extraction system, eliminating the need for separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container system is divided into functional components: the container body for sealing, the gas release fitting for extraction, and the planetary gearbox with handle for mechanical actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lid assembly is tightly sealed to prevent contamination, then the hermetic seal is maintained, but it becomes difficult to access the container interior for gas extraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal integrityVSAvoidlid access operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gas release fitting acts as an intermediary component that provides gas extraction capability without requiring lid opening. The planetary gearbox mechanism serves as a mediator between the external handle operation and the internal lid tightening action, enabling sealed gas extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is preliminarily sealed with the lid assembly before gas extraction is needed. The gas release fitting is pre-positioned to allow extraction through the sealed lid, eliminating the need to break the seal for gas removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If manual tightening of the lid is used, then the structure remains simple, but sufficient torque cannot be applied to ensure hermetic sealing under varying temperature and pressure conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid tightening forceVSAvoidlid assembly mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simple manual tightening mechanism is replaced with a planetary gearbox system that provides mechanical advantage. This gear-based mechanism multiplies the input torque from the handle, delivering sufficient tightening force to ensure hermetic sealing under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gearbox utilizes circular gear geometries to transmit and amplify torque. The sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear work together in a circular arrangement to multiply the input force applied to the handle, providing the necessary tightening torque.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Extent of automation

If the container is designed for robotic missions only, then the automation level is high, but it cannot be operated manually with limited capabilities like the Apollo missions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational automationVSAvoidmission type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed to be universally operable by both robotic systems and human operators. The manual handle and planetary gearbox provide interfaces suitable for human operation, while the overall sealed design maintains compatibility with robotic mission requirements, allowing the same container to serve multiple mission types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260103319A1Vacuum sealable container

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 HONEYBEE ROBOTICS LTD

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 lid assembly includes a handle member to provide rotational force to the input shaft.