Filter Funnel Seal Washer for Universal Flask Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum filter funnels require a specific neck size for the filtrate container, making it cumbersome to replace filled containers with empty ones, especially when dealing with large volumes of solids and liquids.
Innovation Solution
A filter funnel design featuring a funnel seat, tubular stem, and seal washer that allows for easy connection to flasks of different neck sizes, utilizing a vacuum intake duct and seal washer to create an airtight seal, enabling the funnel to accommodate various flask sizes by using a seal washer that presses against the flask neck when a vacuum is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum intake member has a bottom outlet shaped to form an airtight seal with the filtrate container, then an airtight seal is achieved, but the neck size of the filtrate container must be specific
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum intake member is divided into two separate components: a seat portion that remains fixed in the funnel, and a movable intake member that can be inserted into and removed from the flask neck. This segmentation allows the seat to maintain a consistent seal interface while the movable intake adapts to different neck sizes through its adjustable positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake member is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be inserted to different depths into the flask neck depending on the neck size. The member includes a positioning mechanism that enables adjustment along the axial direction, transforming the static seal design into a dynamic one that adapts to various flask configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional vacuum filter funnel is used, then filtration function is provided, but it is troublesome to replace filled filtrate containers with empty ones
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a filtration component (funnel with filter medium) and a collection component (flask). The movable intake member acts as a detachable interface between these components, allowing the flask to be easily removed and replaced without disturbing the filtration setup. This separation enables independent handling of filled and empty flasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable intake member serves as an intermediary component between the funnel and the flask. It provides a standardized interface that facilitates easy connection and disconnection, acting as a mediator that enables straightforward replacement of the flask while maintaining the integrity of the filtration system.
3Reliability
If the funnel is designed for specific neck size, then secure connection is achieved, but adaptability to different flask sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum intake member is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different flask neck sizes. The seat portion provides a universal mounting interface on the funnel, while the movable intake member can be adjusted to fit various neck diameters and lengths, enabling a single device to serve multiple flask configurations securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake member incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to adapt its position and shape to match different flask neck dimensions. This dynamic capability ensures secure connection across various flask sizes while maintaining the reliability of the vacuum seal through consistent contact pressure.
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
Enables efficient separation of solids and liquids across different flask sizes without the need for specific neck sizes, facilitating easy replacement and handling of large volumes by ensuring a secure, air-tight vacuum seal.
Implementation Method 1
when the vacuum intake port is connected to a source of vacuum, a reduced pressure is created in the interior chamber of the flask body to enable the seal washer to press against the flask neck, thereby providing an air-tight seal between the access opening and the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A filter funnel has a funnel seat, a tubular stem, and a seal washer that is sleeved on the tubular stem and abuts against an abutment region of the funnel seat. The seal washer has a slot registering with a port of a vacuum intake duct formed in the funnel seat and is disposed to cover an access opening of a flask. When the flask is connected to a vacuum source through the vacuum intake duct to create reduced pressure in the flask, the seal washer presses against a flask neck of the flask to provide an air-tight seal between the access opening and the slot, thereby facilitating flowing of a liquid fraction of a mixture introduced into the filter funnel into the flask.