Filter Moving Device for Safe Cartridge Stack Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter cartridge systems face challenges in safe and efficient removal and installation due to manual handling issues, which can lead to contamination and increased downtime, especially when cartridges become heavy and unstable with absorbed liquids.

Innovation Solution

A filter moving device with a frame and lifting elements that engage and lift filter cartridge stacks, minimizing direct worker contact and reducing manual effort, featuring a locking mechanism and attachment to a lifting mechanism for secure transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual removal of filter cartridges is performed, then worker exposure to contaminants is increased and safety hazards are created, but automation of the removal process reduces downtime and improves efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of cartridge removalVSAvoiddowntime for filter replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A lifting device with lifting elements acts as an intermediary between the filter cartridges and workers, enabling automated removal without direct manual handling. The device includes a frame with multiple lifting elements that engage with the cartridges to lift and remove them as a stack, eliminating worker exposure to contaminants while maintaining efficient replacement timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cartridges are designed to be self-lifting through the lifting device mechanism. The lifting elements engage with features on the cartridges themselves (such as lifting lugs or engagement surfaces), allowing the system to remove the cartridges using the cartridges' own structural features without requiring additional manual manipulation or disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If filter cartridges are handled manually when wet and heavy, then handling stability decreases and cartridges may break or separate, but automated handling equipment prevents breaks and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge integrity during handlingVSAvoidmanual handling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between workers and the heavy, wet cartridges. The device's frame and lifting elements are designed to distribute the weight and provide stable engagement points, preventing cartridges from breaking or separating during the lifting and removal process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device uses multiple lifting elements distributed across the stack of cartridges, with each element engaging individual cartridges or groups of cartridges. This segmentation of the lifting function across multiple points ensures stable handling of the entire stack while preventing individual cartridges from shifting or breaking under the load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If entire filter cartridge stacks are removed together, then removal efficiency increases and downtime is reduced, but proper engagement and lifting mechanisms must be used to prevent damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is divided into multiple lifting elements that can independently engage with different portions of the cartridge stack. This segmentation allows the entire stack to be lifted simultaneously as a unit for efficient removal, while each individual lifting element remains relatively simple in design and easy to engage with the cartridges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate different cartridge configurations and sizes. The lifting elements can engage with various types of filter cartridges through standardized engagement surfaces or features, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to different applications without requiring complex customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3541490B1Filter moving device
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 LONZA AG
  • EP3541490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3541490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3541490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter moving device is disclosed that is designed to lift and move a filter cartridge stack comprised of individual filter cartridges. The filter cartridge stack, for instance, may comprise a plurality of disk-shaped filter cartridges. The filter moving device is designed to be placed over the stack. The device includes lifting elements that engage the stack for removing the stack from a filter assembly and/or installing the stack in a filter assembly.