Disposable Filter Module with Negative Pressure Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable filter modules with flexible shells face difficulties in being easily inserted into positioning frames without shifting, which can lead to rupture under pressure, and require costly cleaning and validation processes.
Innovation Solution
A single-use filter module with a flexible, airtight cover that maintains negative pressure relative to the environment during installation, ensuring the cover rests against the filter elements and can stretch to fit positioning frames, using materials like polyethylene and polyamide for the shell, and incorporating spacers to maintain precoat filter cake utilization and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a flexible sealed envelope is used for the filter housing, then material consumption is reduced and cost is lowered, but the envelope must be made much larger than required to close it, and insertion into the positioning frame becomes difficult with risk of shifting and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by evacuating the envelope to create negative pressure (vacuum state). This pressure differential causes the flexible envelope to adhere tightly to the filter elements, reducing its effective volume and enabling easy insertion into the positioning frame without shifting or rupture during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by creating negative pressure within the envelope before insertion. This pre-established pressure differential counteracts the forces that would otherwise cause the envelope to shift or rupture during insertion and operation, preventing these problems before they occur.
2Ease of manufacture
If the envelope is made much larger than required to close it, then the filter module can be assembled, but insertion into the positioning frame involves considerable difficulties and the casing can shift relative to the filter elements
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pressure parameter inside the envelope to negative pressure, the envelope shrinks and adheres to the filter elements. This eliminates the need for excessive envelope size while maintaining assembly feasibility and preventing casing shift during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by evacuating the envelope to create a vacuum state. This pressure differential provides the holding force that keeps the envelope tightly attached to the filter elements, ensuring reliability and preventing shifting during insertion and operation.
3Loss of substance
If a flexible shell with small wall thicknesses is used, then material is saved considerably, but the filter module requires a larger envelope to close, introducing difficulties in positioning frame insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By evacuating the envelope to create negative pressure, the flexible shell with thin walls contracts and adheres to the filter elements. This eliminates the need for a larger envelope size, reducing device complexity while maintaining the material saving benefits of thin-walled construction.
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
Facilitates easy insertion and operation under high pressure without casing displacement, reduces material consumption, and eliminates the need for laborious cleaning and validation, ensuring sterile conditions and efficient filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
there is a negative pressure within the closed envelope compared to the normal atmosphere of the environment
Implementation Method 2
several disc-shaped filter elements accommodated in the cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A filter module (1) for disposable use with a closed and at least partially flexible, preferably expandable casing (3) as filter housing (2), a non-filtrate space (9) within the closed casing (3) and at least one first opening (10) through the casing (3) to the non-filtrate space (9), at least one second opening (8) for conducting the filtrate away through the casing (3) and one or more disc-like filtering elements (14) which are accommodated in the casing (3) and the interior of which is connected to the second opening (8), wherein a negative pressure in relation to the normal atmosphere of the surroundings prevails within the casing (3).