Describing a state or condition where a space, container, or system is sealed to prevent the passage of air, typically with a mechanism (e.g., a door, valve, or seal) that requires a specific action to open or close, maintaining a pressure differential or the exclusion of outside air. This is frequently used for environments requiring controlled atmospheric conditions, such as spacecraft, submarines, scientific laboratories, or specialized medical facilities. air-locked spaces are crucial for preventing contamination, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring the safety of occupants when there are significant differences in atmospheric pressure or composition.
Air-locked meaning with examples
- The astronauts entered the air-locked module of the spacecraft, ensuring the pressurized interior wouldn't decompress during their spacewalk. Once inside, they closed the inner hatch, establishing an air-locked environment to regulate pressure before opening the outer door to venture into the vacuum of space. This crucial procedure prevented a sudden loss of atmosphere.
- Before entering the biohazard containment lab, researchers had to pass through an air-locked anteroom. This prevented any potential biological contaminants from escaping. The door was only opened after ensuring sterilization procedures had been completed, guaranteeing that the experiment wouldn't be compromised.
- The deep-sea submersible featured an air-locked chamber for divers, allowing them to enter and exit the vessel underwater. The chamber maintained a constant internal pressure, matching the external water pressure during entry and exit. This design helped maintain the divers safety during the operation.
- The escape room was designed with an air-locked vault as its final challenge. Players needed to solve a complex series of puzzles to depressurize the vault, demonstrating the engineering of the room to provide a complex obstacle. The door opened only after the pressure stabilized, offering a triumphant experience for the team.