Double-Eccentric Filter Closure for Low-Torque Isolator Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter units for barrier systems, particularly in pharmaceutical applications, face challenges in achieving uniform air distribution due to internal components, and the closure mechanisms often require high torques and can cause the ring seal to flex or tumble, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a double eccentricity design that minimizes frictional forces between the ring seal and cover, allowing for a short contact period and incorporating translational movement, along with a C-shaped or circular ring seal and cavities to reduce friction and ensure sealing, is used. The cover is pivotably mounted on opposing rotary joints, and the ring seal is designed to widen conically for reduced friction and enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cover is pivotably articulated through the center of the opening with the pivot axis coinciding with a diameter line, then the closure mechanism is simple in construction, but the ring seal experiences high frictional forces and requires high torques for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot axis eccentrically relative to the opening center. The closure section is designed with an asymmetric arrangement where the pivot axis is offset from the geometric center, creating an asymmetric contact pattern between the cover and ring seal that reduces frictional forces during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a localized contact zone between the cover and ring seal through the eccentric pivot arrangement. The contact occurs at specific localized areas rather than along the entire perimeter, concentrating the sealing function in specific zones while reducing overall frictional resistance.
2Reliability
If the ring seal is positioned to be contacted by the cover in the open position, then the sealing function is maintained, but the ring seal can tumble or press out of its attachment causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the eccentric pivot arrangement to pre-position the cover such that it does not contact the ring seal during the opening operation. The asymmetric geometry inherently prevents the cover from pressing against the seal, eliminating the risk of seal displacement before the opening action is completed.
3Reliability
If a spindle drive is used to translate the cover for opening and closing, then the closure mechanism is reliable, but it impedes uniform air distribution in the interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spindle drive from the interior space of the filter unit. By using an external actuation mechanism with a pivot axis positioned outside the filtration chamber, the design removes the intrusive internal components that would otherwise disrupt airflow patterns, while maintaining reliable closure through the external rotary joint 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 design significantly reduces frictional forces and torques required for adjustment, prevents seal flexing, and ensures a secure, leak-proof closure with reduced installation and transport costs, while maintaining effective air distribution within the filter unit.
Implementation Method 1
the cover being pivotably articulated on the base body by means of at least one rotary joint through which a pivot axis passes
Implementation Method 2
the ring seal and the cover, which rests against the ring seal in its open position, can come into contact with one another only for a very short time or for a very small pivoting range
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure device (28) for a filter unit (1) for the mutual and releasable insertion into a return air duct or exhaust air duct (2) of a barrier system (3), comprising a main body (30), an opening (6) in the main body (30) that can be peripherally bounded by an annular seal (11), a lid (10) that can be switched between an open position in which the opening (6) is open and a closed position in which it bears in a sealing manner against the annular seal (11) in order to selectively open and close the opening (6) and that has passing through it an imaginary longitudinal axis (A), wherein the lid (10) is connected in an articulated manner to the main body (30) so as to be able to pivot by means of at least one rotary articulation (40) through which there passes a pivot axis (S). The lid (10) is designed so as to be able to pivot at least double-eccentrically, wherein the first eccentricity arises from the fact that the pivot axis (S) is arranged at a distance (A1) from a plane (E1) in which a closure section () of the lid (10) lies, and wherein the second eccentricity arises from the fact that the pivot axis (S) is arranged at a distance (A2) from a vertical longitudinal mid-plane (E2) which passes vertically through the center of the lid (10) when the latter is in its closed position.