Filter Capsule Alignment Element and Sealing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter capsules have limitations in design and functionality, such as noise creation during fluid flow and potential contamination risks due to leakage, which necessitate an improved solution for efficient filtration and alignment of filter modules.
Innovation Solution
A filter capsule design featuring a hollow cylindrical porous filter module between an inner core and outer cage, with a module alignment element that includes a circumferential groove with a resilient ring for secure alignment and sealing, and actuator knobs for easy operation, reducing noise and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a filter capsule uses conventional moldings with draft angles, then manufacturing is easier, but alignment precision and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filter capsule is divided into multiple moldings (first molding, second molding, third molding) that are assembled together. Each molding can be manufactured independently with standard draft angles, yet they achieve precise alignment when assembled using alignment features such as alignment pins and alignment grooves, resolving the conflict between manufacturing ease and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment pins and alignment grooves serve as intermediary features between moldings. These features facilitate precise positioning and alignment during assembly, enabling high-precision alignment without requiring complex single-piece molding, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving manufacturing precision
2Device complexity
If a filter capsule uses simple housing structure, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance and contamination prevention worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple moldings with integrated sealing features. Each molding includes peripheral lips and sealing surfaces that work together to create effective seals at the joints, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing features are merged directly into the housing moldings themselves rather than being separate components. The peripheral lips and sealing surfaces are integral parts of the moldings, simplifying the overall structure by reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining effective sealing performance
3Productivity
If a filter capsule uses uniform flow path design, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path design incorporates local variations in the form of flow distributors positioned at specific locations within the filtering medium. These localized features create uniform flow distribution across the filter surface without requiring complex overall flow path design, thus improving filtration efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure
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 design ensures a uniformly distributed fluid flow path, reduces noise, and enhances sealing, making it suitable for various filtration applications, including biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries, with improved usability and reduced part complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential groove containing a resilient ring
Implementation Method 2
a hollow cylindrical porous filter arranged between an inner core and an outer cage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A module alignment element, and a filter capsule (1000) including the module alignment element, a method of filtering fluid using the filter capsule, and a system including the filter capsule, are disclosed.