Embedded Magnetic Plates in Cryogenic Seals for Tool-Free Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic device seals face challenges due to rapid wear from extreme temperature variations and complex, time-consuming maintenance, particularly in areas with limited access, and are difficult to clean, posing contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a soft, elastic material with embedded magnetic metal plates that can be attracted by magnets positioned within the machine, allowing for easy attachment, removal, and cleaning without visible support, enabling quick replacement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional P-shaped silicone seals are used with screw fixation, then the seal structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seal cannot be easily dismantled for cleaning and maintenance, creating retention areas conducive to bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw fixation system with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the seal interact with ferromagnetic elements in the machine structure, providing secure holding during operation while allowing tool-free removal during cleaning. This substitution eliminates the need for screws and crevices, creating a smooth, easily cleanable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamic state where it can be easily attached and detached. The magnetic retention system allows the seal to be quickly installed by simply bringing it near the machine (magnetic attraction automatically secures it) and just as easily removed by pulling it away, enabling frequent cleaning without complex operations.
2Reliability
If seals are fixed in areas with limited access, then the seal provides effective sealing, but maintenance becomes particularly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic fixation system replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms that would be difficult to access and manipulate in confined spaces. The seal is held by magnetic attraction to ferromagnetic elements positioned in the machine structure, allowing maintenance personnel to simply pull the seal away without needing to reach into tight spaces to unscrew or unclip traditional fasteners.
3Temperature
If traditional seals are used that require periodic replacement, then the seal material can withstand temperature variations, but the seal still wears out over time and requires maintenance intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retention system enables the seal to be easily serviced by the user without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The seal can be removed and replaced by simply pulling it away from the magnetic field (for replacement) or pushing it back into position (for reinstallation), making maintenance a simple self-service operation that can be performed quickly during production shutdowns.
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
The solution facilitates daily cleaning and rapid maintenance of cryogenic device seals, eliminating retention areas that can harbor bacteria and reducing maintenance time to seconds, while maintaining seal flexibility across temperature extremes.
Implementation Method 1
said first part comprises within its structure one or more plates in magnetic metal; the joint system further comprises a second part, consisting of one or more magnets, able to be positioned in the structure of the machine
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing system suitable for equipping a cryogenic apparatus (1) used for transforming or storing food, medical or biological products, characterised in that: - the sealing system comprises a first part, made from a soft and resilient material, constituting a shape (10, 20), suitable for being pressed between two elements of the apparatus to form a seal; - said first part comprises, within the structure of same, one or more magnetic metal plates (12); - the sealing system further comprises a second part, constituted by one or more magnets (13), capable of being positioned in the structure of the machine, at the location or locations that need to support a seal, said magnets preferably being spaced at regular intervals.