Sealed Transfer Control Mechanism With Protective Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-door sealed transfer devices for closed spaces, used in industries like nuclear, medical, and pharmaceutical, face challenges in maintaining a sealed and secure transfer to prevent contamination and ensure high safety, particularly against malicious actions that could compromise tightness.
Innovation Solution
A centralized control mechanism with an additional protective bolt is introduced, which is activated after the second bolt is unlocked and before the third bolt is locked, to prevent the control member from operating in the direction of separation, enhancing safety by preventing untimely opening and ensuring the flange is completely locked before allowing door separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-door device with multiple safety bolts is used, then the reliability of sealed transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional bolt is positioned to act in advance during the critical transition phase when the flange is unlocked but before the third bolt locks it. This preliminary action prevents any unauthorized operation during the vulnerable intermediate state, enhancing reliability without requiring a completely new control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones with each bolt serving a specific safety function at a specific stage of the operation sequence. The additional bolt segments the control progression into finer control stages, allowing precise safety enforcement at each transition point without overwhelming the entire system.
2Reliability
If an additional protective bolt is added to prevent unauthorized opening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional protective bolt is strategically positioned to engage before the third bolt locks the flange in the unlocked position. This preliminary engagement creates a safety barrier during the critical transition phase, preventing any unauthorized opening attempts before the system is ready for door separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional bolt acts as a protective cushion or barrier during the vulnerable intermediate state. It provides a safety buffer that absorbs or prevents malicious actions or unauthorized operations before they can compromise the sealed transfer integrity.
3Reliability
If the control mechanism is made more restrictive with additional safety measures, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The additional bolt automatically engages in the correct sequence during normal operation, performing its safety function preliminarily without requiring separate manual intervention. This maintains ease of operation while enhancing safety against malicious actions during the critical transition phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed so that the additional bolt self-activates in the proper sequence based on the flange's position and the operation stage. The system serves itself by automatically engaging and disengaging the additional bolt at the appropriate times, maintaining operational simplicity while providing enhanced safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A control mechanism for a device for the sealed transfer between a chamber and a container, affording a very high level of safety, comprising bolts able to open the doors in complete safety, and a protective bolt (92) able to prevent an opening movement if an attempt is made to remove the container.