Vapor Plug Retention Strap for Dewar Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dry vapor shippers, such as dewars, lack a retaining device for the vapor plug during transport, leading to dislodgment and increased thermal transmission, causing the contents to warm quickly and potentially spill.
Innovation Solution
A vapor plug retention strap with connectors and a main body that secures the vapor plug within the dewar's neck tube, using adjustable straps and a flexible collar to accommodate different sizes and maintain the plug's position during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vapor plug rides freely within the neck of the dry vapor shipper, then gases can escape freely to prevent pressure buildup, but the vapor plug may dislodge during sudden movements or jarring, causing thermal transmission and warming of contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible strap made of thin film material that can conform to the vapor plug and neck geometry. The strap includes a body portion with a receptacle that flexibly accommodates the vapor plug neck, and connector portions that wrap around the vapor plug. This flexible thin film structure provides reliable retention during movement while maintaining simplicity and avoiding complex rigid mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a retaining device is added to secure the vapor plug, then the vapor plug remains secured during transport, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable connector portions with buckles and slots that allow dynamic adjustment of the strap length and fit. The connector portions can be adjusted to accommodate different vapor plug sizes and neck geometries, and can be easily fastened or released. This dynamic adjustability simplifies installation and operation while ensuring reliable retention across various configurations.
3Temperature
If the vapor plug is dislodged during transit, then thermal transmission increases causing quick warming, but adding a retention strap may interfere with the free movement needed for gas escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the retention strap with a body portion that has a receptacle shaped to receive and nest around the vapor plug neck. The connector portions wrap around and over the vapor plug body, creating a nested configuration where the strap envelops the vapor plug without rigid constraints. This nested design allows the vapor plug to move slightly for gas escape while preventing complete dislodgment that would cause thermal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system, apparatus, and/or device to secure the vapor plug within the dewar. The vapor plug retention strap includes a first connector, a second connector and a main body. The second connector is configured to couple with the first connector. The main body is coupled in between the first connector and the second connector. The main body has a receptacle formed within that is configured to receive a neck of a vapor plug of a dewar and retain the neck of the vapor plug to secure the vapor plug within the dewar.