Vacuum-Sealable Sample Container With Gas Extraction Sealing
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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 flange clamp and lid assembly that includes a first and second curved arm, a hinge pin, and a load shaft, allowing for a hermetic two-way seal and a gas extraction device to manage volatile gases, and a locking mechanism to secure the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum sealable container is used to transport extraterrestrial samples, then the samples are protected from contamination during transport, but entrained gases are released when returned to Earth causing pressure issues and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by incorporating a gas extraction device that can remove entrained gases from the container after it is returned to Earth. The device includes a gas outlet and extraction mechanism that actively removes the harmful gases before they can cause pressure buildup or contamination, thus eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the protective sealing function during transport.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetic seal is used to prevent volatile escape, then contamination is prevented, but pressure buildup occurs from released gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by using a controlled gas extraction system that mediates between the hermetic seal and the external environment. The extraction device provides a controlled pathway for gas removal, allowing the seal to remain intact for contamination prevention while simultaneously managing pressure through controlled extraction of entrained gases.
3Ease of operation
If a simple lid assembly is used for the container, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability under varying pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a flange clamp mechanism with curved arms that can dynamically adjust and apply variable clamping force to the lid assembly. This mechanical system provides adaptive sealing pressure that maintains reliable sealing under varying internal and external pressure conditions, while still allowing for relatively simple manual operation through the clamp mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum sealable container for securing and transporting extraterrestrial samples includes a container body including a flange, a lid assembly detachably coupled to the container body, the lid assembly selectively hermetically sealing the container body, and a flange clamp selectively positioned around the container body and the lid assembly. The flange clamp is tightened to seal the lid assembly to the container body by transmitting a radial load into an axial sealing force.