Securable Sampling Port for Insulated Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling methods for fluids in insulated containers, such as milk tanker trailers, expose the product to environmental contaminants and pose safety risks for operators, as they require climbing ladders and manual scooping, which is inefficient and unsanitary.
Innovation Solution
A secure sampling port system is installed on insulated containers, featuring a port housing with a sample mount and a lid assembly that seals and secures, allowing for aseptic sampling without ladders, with a sampling arrangement that includes a septum unit and a securing mechanism for chain of custody, and is certified for sanitary standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sampling methods are used (manual scooping with ladders), then operators can access the fluid for sampling, but the product is exposed to environmental contaminants and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a port housing with sampling opening, a separable lid assembly with sealing mechanism, and a sampling arrangement. This segmentation allows the sampling function to be isolated from the bulk container, enabling ground-level access while maintaining product integrity and eliminating the need for operators to climb ladders or open the main container.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling port assembly acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the bulk fluid. It provides a controlled interface where sampling can occur through a sealed opening, preventing direct exposure of the product to environmental contaminants while allowing operators to safely obtain samples from ground level.
2Reliability
If the lid assembly is designed to sealably close against the port housing, then product integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates a flexible gasket or seal member that conforms to the port housing opening, creating an effective seal through elastic deformation rather than complex rigid mechanical joints. This flexible sealing approach maintains product integrity while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage as the lid assembly is opened or closed, with the gasket self-adjusting to maintain the seal. This self-service sealing reduces the need for additional actuating mechanisms or complex locking systems.
3Reliability
If a securing mechanism with lock is added to the lid assembly, then chain of custody is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is pre-configured with mounting features integrated into the port housing and lid assembly, allowing the locking function to be added without requiring complex installation procedures or additional structural modifications. The preliminary integration of mounting features simplifies the overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If passages are created through the insulated container walls to install the sampling port, then the sampling port can be installed on previously-manufactured containers, but the insulation effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port assembly is designed to be nested within the container wall structure, with the port housing positioned within the insulation layer and the sampling opening aligned with the container exterior. This nested configuration allows the sampling function to be integrated into the existing container walls while minimizing disruption to the insulation's thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling port is installed at a localized position where the insulation is minimally disturbed, with the port housing and surrounding insulation designed to maintain thermal efficiency in the vicinity of the sampling opening. The local modification is concentrated and optimized to preserve overall insulation effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and installation methods for sampling ports are disclosed. Sampling ports include a port housing and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is configured to sealably close against the port housing. Additionally, the lid assembly can be secured, such as with a lock, to the port housing. In one aspect, the port housing includes a sample mount arrangement configured to receive a sampling assembly. The sample mount arrangement defines a sampling channel and the port housing defines a sampling opening and a first securing mount. The lid assembly includes a latch arrangement and defines a second securing mount.