Filter Cartridge Housing With Split Lid And Vent Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems in industrial processes, such as those in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, face significant downtime during filter cartridge changes due to the need for cleaning and handling of unfiltered filtrate, which complicates the replacement process and can lead to contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A housing design that encloses a filter cartridge within a bag with a split lid configuration, allowing for easy installation and removal of the cartridge without requiring the cleaning of the surrounding support housing, and includes a vent fitting to manage fluid pressure and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional filter cartridge replacement process is used, then the filter element can be replaced, but the housing requires cleaning of unfiltered filtrate which increases downtime and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is segmented from the housing through a removable cartridge design with sealed end caps. The cartridge contains all unfiltered filtrate within its own boundaries, allowing it to be removed as a complete sealed unit without requiring housing cleaning. This segmentation isolates the contamination source from the housing interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the unfiltered filtrate containment function from the housing by placing it within the removable cartridge assembly. The cartridge acts as a self-contained vessel that holds all unfiltered material, which is then easily extracted from the housing as a single unit, eliminating the need to clean the housing of unfiltered filtrate.
2Ease of operation
If a removable filter cartridge design is used, then filter replacement becomes easier, but ensuring a sealed connection between the cartridge and housing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into discrete seal elements (O-rings, gaskets) positioned at specific interfaces between the cartridge and housing. This segmentation allows each seal to be independently designed and installed, simplifying the overall sealing mechanism while maintaining ease of cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the housing removable, the invention makes the filter cartridge removable while keeping the housing stationary. This inversion of the traditional approach simplifies the housing structure and makes sealing easier, as the stationary housing can have fixed sealing surfaces that mate with the removable cartridge's sealing elements.
3Productivity
If a compact filter element design is used, then filtration capacity increases, but access for replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compact filter cartridge is segmented as a complete removable unit with all necessary components (filter element, end caps, seals, fittings) integrated into a single assembly. This segmentation allows the compact design to maintain high filtration capacity while enabling easy removal and replacement as a complete unit without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the cartridge housing, with end caps and sealing elements nested at the interfaces. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of space within the compact cartridge while maintaining easy access for replacement, as the entire nested assembly can be removed as one unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge with a containment bag including a vent port and a support housing, including a split lid.