Disposable Filter Unit Sealing for Paint Overspray Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for separating overspray mists in paint booths face difficulties in easy replacement and sealing due to sticky paint compositions, leading to mechanical or chemical intervention and increased contamination, especially with plug-in designs.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with a sealing ring and clamping mechanism that allows for a separation plane outside the filter module and adapter, enabling easy insertion and sealing without a plug connection, using a clamping device for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plug-in design is used to connect the filter module to the connection piece, then the filter module can be easily replaced, but the cardboard walls may stick to the connector due to overlapping areas, making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter module replacementVSAvoidsticky paint composition causing adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sealing function from the plug-in connection interface by introducing a separate sealing plate that closes the connection piece opening. This separates the sealing task from the mechanical connection, allowing the filter module to be removed without dealing with sticky paint in the overlapping areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing plate acts as an intermediary element between the connection piece and the filter module. It provides a clean sealing surface that prevents paint mist from causing adhesion between the cardboard filter module and the metal connection piece, while still allowing easy insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the connection piece is sealed to prevent material trickling during replacement, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the closure system is exposed to high contamination from paint deposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidpaint contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing plate is designed as a disposable component made of cardboard that is discarded after a single use. This allows the sealing function to be maintained reliably without worrying about paint contamination affecting reusable sealing mechanisms, as each new filter module comes with a fresh sealing plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is segmented into a separate, disposable sealing plate rather than being integrated into the permanent connection piece. This segmentation allows the sealing surface to be replaced with every filter module, ensuring it remains clean and effective despite exposure to paint contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If overlapping areas are created to ensure tight sealing connection, then sealing is improved, but paint mist accumulates in these areas causing them to cake on and solidify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing connectionVSAvoidoperating time before maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the sealing function from the overlapping connection areas by introducing a separate sealing plate. This extraction prevents paint mist from accumulating in the connection interface, eliminating the problem of caking and solidification that occurs with prolonged operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A new sealing plate is installed with each filter module before operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the sealing surface is clean and free of paint deposits, preventing the accumulation problems that would otherwise develop during extended operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4613354A1Filter unit, separating device and method for replacing a filter unit in the separating device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 INNOVATIVE PAINT & CONVEYOR SYST SL
  • EP4613354A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613354A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613354A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A filter unit (14, 16, 100) of a separation device (10) for separating liquid or solid particles from an overspray-laden air stream of a coating system (1), wherein the filter unit (14, 16, 100) has at least one filter module (24-26) which is designed as a disposable filter module and wherein the filter unit (14, 16, 100) has an inflow opening (37) on an outer housing wall (38), wherein the filter unit (14, 16, 100) has a sealing ring (39) on the outside of the outer housing wall (38), which sealing ring is arranged around the inflow opening (37); as well as a separation device and a method for exchanging filter elements.