Axially Displaceable Ring Member for Modular Centrifugal Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular centrifugal separators face challenges in handling and mounting exchangeable separation inserts while maintaining a sterile environment, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications where equipment must be easily sterilized and reused.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ring member that is axially displaceable between two positions, allowing the rotor casing and stationary portions to be securely held together during handling and easily separated for rotation, facilitating easy mounting and maintaining a sterile environment through sealing abutments and hermetic seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotor casing and stationary portion are held together securely during handling, then the sterile environment is maintained, but the mounting and rotation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member is designed to be axially displaceable between a first position (where it abuts both rotor casing and stationary portion to hold them together) and a second position (where it abuts only one component, releasing the other). This dynamic positioning allows the same component to provide both secure holding during handling and easy release for rotation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the exchangeable separation insert is designed for easy handling as a unit, then the handling process is simplified, but the rotation capability during operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member transitions from a static connecting element to a dynamic release mechanism. During handling, it remains in the first position securing both components together. During mounting, it can be displaced to the second position to release the rotor casing for rotation. This dynamic behavior enables both easy handling and rotation capability without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Strength
If the ring member abuts both rotor casing and stationary portion simultaneously, then secure holding is achieved, but the rotor casing cannot rotate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The ring member's axial displacement capability allows it to dynamically switch between providing strong holding (first position, abutting both components) and enabling rotation (second position, abutting only stationary portion). This resolves the contradiction by making the holding mechanism temporarily disengage during rotation rather than requiring a completely separate rotation mechanism.
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 enables easy handling and mounting of exchangeable separation inserts, ensuring a sterile environment is maintained during use and simplifying the process of exchanging inserts in modular centrifugal separators, enhancing operational efficiency and hygiene in pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications.
Implementation Method 1
the ring member in the first position abuts radially against the rotor casing and abuts radially against the first stationary portion, the ring member contributes to hold the rotor casing and the first stationary portion together
Implementation Method 2
a rotor casing rotatable about an axis of rotation... frustoconical separation discs arranged in the separation space... fluidly connected with the separation space
Data Source
AI summary
An exchangeable separation insert, a modular centrifugal separator, and a method are disclosed. The exchangeable separation insert includes a rotor casing rotatable about an axis of rotation and a first stationary portion. The exchangeable separation insert includes a ring member which extends concentrically with the axis. The ring member is axially displaceable between a first position, in which the ring member abuts radially against the rotor casing and abuts radially, against the first stationary portion, and a second position, in which the ring member abuts radially against the rotor casing only, or against the first stationary portion only.