Filter connection for a smoke evacuation device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smoke evacuation systems face challenges in determining when filters need to be replaced and can result in faulty installations due to inadequate filter connections.
Innovation Solution
A filter connection system comprising a filter canister and socket with a seal and electronic connectors, allowing for easy installation and electronic detection of filter replacement or incorrect installation, ensuring proper alignment and activation of the smoke evacuation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filter connections are used in smoke evacuation systems, then the system structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to determine when filters need replacement and faulty installations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic feedback mechanisms through connectors that detect filter installation status and provide signals to the control system. The feedback loop monitors whether the filter is properly installed and communicates this information to the user interface, enabling real-time status monitoring and alerting when filter replacement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filter connections with an electronic connection system. Instead of relying solely on physical fitment, the system uses electronic connectors to detect and verify filter installation status, substituting mechanical verification with electronic sensing and signaling mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If electronic detection features are added to the filter connection, then filter replacement timing can be accurately detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic detection functionality directly into the filter cartridge assembly itself. The electronic connector is integrated with the filter housing and cartridge, combining the filtration function with the detection function in a single unified component rather than adding separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge assembly serves multiple functions: it performs the primary filtration function while simultaneously housing the electronic detection mechanism. The same structural components that hold the filter medium also support the electronic connector and sensing elements, enabling multi-functionality within a single integrated unit.
3Reliability
If a longitudinal distance relationship between seal and electronic connector is specified, then proper installation is ensured, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the seal and electronic connector positioning into the preliminary design and manufacturing of the filter cartridge assembly. The longitudinal distance relationship is established during manufacturing through integrated features such as molded-in positions, recesses, or guiding structures that pre-set the correct spacing between the seal and electronic connector before assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the electronic connector is positioned within or alongside the seal assembly in a hierarchical arrangement. The seal and connector are nested within the filter housing structure, with their relative positions determined by the housing geometry rather than requiring high-precision separate positioning of each component.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A filter connection for a smoke evacuation device includes a filter canister assembly and a socket. The filter canister assembly has a cross-sectional shape with only one line of symmetry that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the socket so that the filter canister can only be inserted into the socket in one orientation. One or more key notches on the filter canister may also ensure that the filter is properly installed. A seal creates an airtight boundary between the filter canister and a recess of the socket so that a sealed path in communication with the smoke evacuation device is established before the filter canister is fully inserted into the socket. An electronic connection is made between the filter canister and the socket after the airtight boundary is created.