Two-Piece Radioactive Storage Container With Threaded O-Ring Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for radioactive materials are difficult to handle and secure, particularly when operators are wearing protective gear, and do not provide adequate structural soundness during handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece lid system with a connector and base design featuring internal and external threads, an O-ring seal, and a strikeless latch mechanism, along with integrated filters to facilitate easy handling and secure closure, while ensuring structural integrity and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-piece lid design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates when operators are wearing protective gear
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate pieces: a plate portion and a connector portion. The plate portion can be easily positioned on the base opening, while the connector portion with external threads engages with the internal threads of the base. This segmentation allows operators wearing protective gear to easily handle and secure the lid without difficulty.
2Reliability
If a simple lid design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An O-ring seal is pre-installed on the plate portion of the lid before assembly. This preliminary placement of the sealing element ensures that when the lid is secured to the base, the seal is already in position to prevent leakage, enhancing sealing reliability without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to be easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but structural soundness during handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lid into a plate portion and a connector portion with threaded engagement, the design achieves both easy operation and structural strength. The plate portion can be easily positioned, while the connector portion with external threads provides strong mechanical engagement with the base through screw threading, ensuring structural soundness during handling and transport.
4Ease of operation
If a two-piece lid system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion includes an elongated vertical piece that extends beyond the threaded portion. This asymmetric feature provides a reference alignment element that guides proper positioning of the lid on the base, making alignment easier despite the two-piece design. The asymmetric shape helps operators correctly orient the lid during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a two-piece lid, a base, and an O-ring. The two-piece lid includes a plate and a connector including a first leg with internal threads and a second leg. The base defines a cavity with an open end and a closed end and includes a collar with external threads. The O-ring is configured to form a seal between the two-piece lid and the base. The internal threads on the first leg of the connector engage the external threads of the collar responsive to rotation of the two-piece lid relative to the base. The second leg of the connector drives the plate towards the base responsive to the internal threads on the first leg of the connector engaging the external threads of the collar. The O-ring forms the seal as the internal threads on the first leg of the connector engage the external threads of the collar.