Filter Press Lifting Frame for Automatic Cloth Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual replacement of filter cloth portions in filter presses is time-consuming, non-ergonomic, and requires a dirty working environment, especially in filter presses with limited space between plates.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system with a lifting frame and pinching elements that automatically engage and lift filter cloth portions, allowing ergonomic handling and reducing manual labor by using a crane or traverse for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting of filter cloth portions is used, then the filter press structure remains simple, but the replacement process is time-consuming and requires non-ergonomic manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support member is equipped with a coupling device that automatically engages with the lifting frame, enabling the system to lift itself without manual intervention. The coupling device includes engagement elements that automatically connect when the lifting frame approaches the filter support member, and the lifting frame is designed to automatically disengage after lifting, allowing the filter support member to be lowered back into position without additional manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical lifting operations are replaced with an automated lifting system consisting of a lifting frame equipped with a coupling device. The coupling device uses automated engagement mechanisms (such as magnetic couplings, gravitational engagement, or mechanical interlocking) to connect with the filter support member, eliminating the need for manual lifting while reducing downtime and improving ergonomics.
2Area of stationary object
If the interspace between filter plates is reduced to minimize footprint, then the overall size of the filter press is reduced, but the space available for manual handling of filter cloth portions becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Manual handling operations are completely replaced by the automated lifting frame system. The lifting frame can operate in the limited interspace between filter plates because it uses automated coupling mechanisms that require minimal manual intervention. The coupling device can engage and disengage automatically, allowing the system to function effectively even when the interspace is too narrow for comfortable manual handling.
3Productivity
If automated lifting system with coupling device is implemented, then the replacement time and manual labor are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be self-activating, using the motion of the lifting frame itself to trigger engagement. As the lifting frame approaches the filter support member, the coupling device automatically engages without requiring separate actuators or complex control systems. After lifting, the frame automatically disengages, eliminating the need for additional release mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to engage naturally when the lifting frame and filter support member are in close proximity, utilizing gravitational force or magnetic attraction to facilitate automatic connection. This eliminates the need for powered actuators or complex control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining automated functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lifting system for a filter press is provided. The lifting system comprises a lifting frame (500), a filter support member (400) configured to be removably supported by a rail (200) in the filter press, said filter support member (400) suspending at least two parallelly extending filter cloth portions (300), and a coupling (511; 401). The lifting frame (500) is configured to be moved in a direction towards the filter support member (400) into a locking position in which the coupling (511; 401) is configured to be activated thereby interlocking the lifting frame (500) and the filter support member (400) and allowing lifting of the filter support member (400) in a direction away from the rail (200). Also, a method of automatically lifting one or more filter support members (400) from a filter press is provided