Extensible Tunnel Containment for Toxic Agent Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing varnishing and chemical process systems face inefficiencies in solvent vapor extraction, particularly when dealing with large or heavy objects, as traditional varnishing cabins and extraction walls require significant space and are not easily transportable, and existing solutions suffer from low aspiration efficiency and dispersion of toxic agents.

Innovation Solution

An extensible tunnel-like structure with an integrated aspiration system is used, allowing for efficient airflow generation and solvent vapor extraction, which is more compact and transportable than traditional solutions, and can be extended to cover larger areas without obstructing mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a varnishing cabin is used for solvent vapor extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but space occupation increases and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the traditional static varnishing cabin into a mobile unit mounted on a vehicle chassis. The extraction system can be positioned and moved to different locations, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining extraction efficiency through the integrated aspiration apparatus and airflow generation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile varnishing unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: it includes varnishing equipment, solvent vapor extraction apparatus, and vehicle mobility components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixed cabins and cranes, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining all necessary operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a varnishing cabin is used for solvent vapor extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the varnishing cabin, extraction system, and vehicle platform into a single integrated mobile unit. By combining these previously separate systems, the overall structural complexity is reduced while maintaining extraction efficiency through the coordinated operation of the aspiration apparatus and airflow generation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If an extraction wall is used for solvent vapor extraction, then space occupation is reduced, but aspiration efficiency decreases and toxic agents disperse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidaspiration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile varnishing unit incorporates a powered aspiration system with airflow generation apparatus that creates controlled air currents. This pneumatic system actively draws solvent vapors toward the extraction outlets and directs them through filtration, ensuring high aspiration efficiency regardless of the compact mobile structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Reliability

If extraction capacity is increased to improve vapor capture, then aspiration efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaspiration efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes aspiration efficiency by adjusting operational parameters such as airflow velocity, extraction outlet positioning, and filtration system configuration. These parameter adjustments enable effective vapor capture at moderate energy levels, avoiding the need for excessively high-power aspiration equipment while maintaining reliable extraction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides high aspiration efficiency with reduced space requirements and improved operator safety by containing solvent vapors and allowing for the processing of larger or heavier objects without the need for extensive, immobile structures.

Implementation Method 1

an aspiration system (9) is being added that enables to generate airflow inside the volume of the tunnel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow generation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

extraction of vapours of solvents dispersed in the air during the working process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor extraction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

an aspiration and filtration system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP1955777B1Containment system for toxic agents deriving from varnishing processes, resin application and similar processes constituted by an extensible tunnel equipped with an aspiration and filtration system
Publication Date: 2010.09.08 HPM DIV NAUTICA
  • EP1955777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1955777B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1955777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system of containment and extraction of toxic agents comprising an extensible tunnel and an extraction wall placed on one extremity of the tunnel in order to generate sufficient airflow inside of the tunnel to convey toxic agents towards the extraction wall and expel these outside the tunnel.