Cleanroom Hood Filter Seal for Dustproof Reusable Covers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting the cover with the filter in a clean room conditioning plant hood are not dustproof and allow undesired particles to pass through, and the cover cannot be reused after maintenance, leading to increased costs due to deformation and inability to reutilize the cover.

Innovation Solution

A reciprocal engagement mechanism between the filter and cover edges, utilizing a non-hardening seal fluid gasket and retaining means like vertical socket head screws, allows for dustproof sealing and easy removal of the cover without damage, enabling reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is fixed to the filter by means of a suitable glue which fastens its peripheral edge to the peripheral edge of the filter, then the cover can be removed by overcoming the glue resistance, but the cover deforms and can not be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover removalVSAvoidcover reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the hollow peripheral edge structure, the seal fluid gasket, and the retaining means (screws and transversal bars). This segmentation allows the cover to be disconnected from the filter without deforming the cover itself, as the fastening force is applied through discrete retaining means rather than distributed glue pressure that causes deformation upon removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (glue) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of retaining means that engage with the hollow peripheral edge. This mechanical system allows for controlled assembly and disassembly without the deformation issues associated with glue removal, enabling cover reuse while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the cover is fixed to the filter by welding, then the connection is strong and dustproof, but the cover cannot be removed for filter replacement or maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedustproof connectionVSAvoidcover removability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent bond (welding) to a dynamic reversible connection. The retaining means can be engaged to provide strong dustproof sealing during operation, and disengaged when filter replacement or maintenance is needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between requiring strong connection and requiring easy disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow peripheral edge structure acts as an intermediary element between the cover and filter. It provides a receptacle for the seal fluid gasket and engagement points for the retaining means, enabling both dustproof sealing and removable connection without requiring direct welding between cover and filter surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a mechanical fastener system is used to connect the cover and filter, then the cover can be removed and reused, but the connection may not be dustproof

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover reusabilityVSAvoidparticle contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two functional systems into one integrated connection mechanism: the mechanical fastening system (retaining means) and the sealing system (seal fluid gasket). The retaining means provide the structural connection and reusability, while the seal fluid gasket embedded in the hollow peripheral edge provides dustproof sealing. Both functions work together through the unified hollow edge structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal fluid gasket acts as an intermediary sealing element between the mechanical fastener components. It is received within the hollow peripheral edge structure and creates the dustproof barrier, while the retaining means secure the connection. This intermediary sealing layer ensures particle contamination prevention without compromising the mechanical reusability of the cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution ensures dustproof sealing while allowing the cover to be removed and reused, reducing maintenance costs by facilitating quick replacement and reinstallation of filters without damaging the cover.

Implementation Method 1

a seal fluid gasket spread into the hollow and the other edge extended into the hollow and plunged into the seal fluid gasket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2149405B1Hood of an air conditioning plant for clean rooms comprising means for connecting the cover and the filter
Publication Date: 2011.12.14 FCR
  • EP2149405B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A reciprocal engagement of the filter peripheral edge (6) with the cover peripheral edge (7) is defined by one of said edges provided with a hollow (8) extended all along its periphery, a seal fluid gasket (9) spread into the hollow and the other edge extended into the hollow and plunged into the seal fluid gasket, retaining means (4, 5) adapted to keep the cover and the filter in said reciprocal engagement (Fig. 2).