Segmented Docking Device Prevents Beaking in Bulk Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multiple flap docking devices with a common axis of rotation suffer from 'beaking,' where contaminating material can enter between the disks when they are slightly open, and they are complex and costly to manufacture, limiting material combinations and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
A docking device with a segment valve using double flaps, where shut-off elements are locked exclusively by their outer circumference, allowing for a redesign with distributed closure over the circumference, enabling the use of plastic and metal combinations and simplifying manufacturing, thus preventing beaking and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple flaps are used with a common axis of rotation to block bulk material flow, then the flow can be effectively blocked, but the interfaces between plates are exposed to product flow and allow contaminating material to enter when slightly open
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device is divided into two separate docking devices, each with its own housing and shut-off element. This segmentation allows each shut-off element to be independently sealed within its own housing, eliminating the exposure of interfaces to product flow that occurs in multi-plate systems with common axes of rotation.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-flap devices are used with rigid bearings and weighted housings to ensure tight contact, then flow blocking is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex bearing and weighting systems are extracted from the housing design. Instead of using rigid bearings and weighted housings to ensure tight contact, the invention relies on the inherent sealing capability of the shut-off element within its housing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical support structures.
3Reliability
If traditional docking devices are manufactured with complex housing constructions, then shut-off elements can be securely mounted, but manufacturing costs increase and material combinations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with localized sealing features rather than complex overall constructions. The shut-off element is sealed at its specific interface with the housing, allowing different materials to be used in different parts of the system without compromising the sealing capability.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation of docking devices is used, then handling is simple, but the docking process may be error-prone and less safe
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device incorporates self-checking and self-locking mechanisms that automatically verify proper docking and sealing. The system performs its own safety verification, reducing reliance on manual operation while maintaining ease of use and improving safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Docking device, for contamination-free connecting, for example, of two containers or two lines, having shut-off members of a flap which can be rotated about a common axis for switching over between a docking position and a throughflow position, which flap is intended to block a throughflow, for example of a bulk material, in the docking position and to allow said throughflow in the throughflow position, which shut-off members are in each case mounted in a housing (20) and are arranged in the respective housing (20) in such a way that, in the docking position, the shut-off members bear against one another with interface surfaces (12) at least over a part area and are sealed against one another, wherein at least one of the shut-off members is intended to engage into at least one further one of the shut-off members or to engage behind the further shut-off member.