Sliding Shutter Partition With Resilient Edge for Bulk Material Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to efficiently and selectively separate or communicate two adjoining spaces or environments, particularly when bulk solid materials are involved, as they often trap materials between apertures and shutters during closure, risking damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A device with a shutter featuring a resiliently yielding edge, which moves against an elastic biasing force to avoid trapping obstacles, allowing for safe closure and alignment with a port that can realign to prevent material entrapment, ensuring smooth operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is used to close the aperture between two spaces, then the separation of spaces is achieved, but bulk material may become trapped between the aperture and shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter incorporates an elastic element that forms a flexible sealing edge, allowing the shutter to deform elastically during closure to prevent material entrapment while maintaining reliable separation when closed
2Reliability
If the shutter closes tightly against the aperture, then separation is effective, but obstacles may obstruct shutter movement and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs obstacles during shutter closure, preventing direct impact damage to the shutter while maintaining effective sealing against the aperture
3Strength
If the shutter is made rigid for durable operation, then strength is improved, but material may be trapped during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter combines rigid structural elements for overall strength with a localized elastic sealing edge that provides flexibility during closure to prevent material entrapment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively separates or connects spaces without trapping bulk materials, ensuring reliable operation and preventing damage to the shutter, maintaining the integrity of the device and allowing for easy removal of obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
The port has a resiliently yielding edge portion which is biased to a rest position and being capable of moving away from said rest position against an elastic biasing force if during closure of said shutter an obstacle obstructs the movement of the shutter with respect to the partition wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for separating a first space (C) and a second space (9A) from one another is disclosed. The device comprises a partition wall (29), arranged such that the first space and the second space are located on opposite sides of said partition wall (29). The partition wall(29) is provided with a through aperture, which connects the first space and the second space and allows a bulk material to move from the first space (C) into the second space (9A). A shutter (39) is provided, slidingly movable with respect to the partition wall (29), for selectively opening and closing the through aperture (37). The shutter has a port (41), which can be selectively brought in an alignment position and in an out-of-alignment position with respect to the through aperture (37).