Filter Assembly Spring Sealing Mechanism for Airway Pressure Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airway pressure support systems lack a mechanism to ensure a secure seal between air filters and the device, leading to inadequate filtration and frequent replacement of fine particle filters, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with spring members that apply a sealing force to both coarse and fine filter media, allowing for a secure seal and easy replacement of fine filters over the life of the coarse filter media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If no sealing mechanism is used between filter assembly and device housing, then device complexity is reduced, but filtration reliability deteriorates due to inadequate seal
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members automatically apply sealing force when the filter assembly is installed in the device housing. The elastic deformation of springs provides continuous contact pressure between the filter assembly flange and the housing, ensuring an airtight seal without requiring additional sealing components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is separated from the main filter media structure and implemented through distinct spring members positioned at the interface between the filter assembly and housing. This allows the sealing mechanism to be independently optimized while keeping the filter media replacement simple and straightforward.
2Reliability
If fine particle filters are frequently replaced to maintain filtration efficiency, then filtration reliability is improved, but loss of time and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into two separable filter media portions: a coarse particle filter that remains in place and a fine particle filter that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows users to replace only the fine particle filter when it becomes saturated, avoiding the need to replace the entire filter assembly and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly design enables dynamic configuration where the fine particle filter can be selectively installed or removed based on usage requirements. The spring members continue to provide sealing force whether the fine particle filter is present or absent, allowing flexible maintenance schedules.
3Reliability
If spring members are added to provide sealing force, then filtration reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are designed to automatically perform the sealing function upon installation of the filter assembly. The elastic potential energy stored in the compressed springs provides continuous contact pressure between the filter assembly flange and the housing, ensuring an airtight seal without requiring additional sealing components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members transform the physical state of the filter assembly interface from a rigid, potentially gapped connection to a dynamically pressurized seal. The elastic deformation of the springs adjusts the contact pressure parameter to maintain reliable sealing under varying operating conditions without adding complex control systems.
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
The filter assembly provides a secure, airtight seal between filter media and the device, facilitating easy and frequent replacement of fine filters, enhancing filtration efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring members attached to the housing portion, wherein the plurality of spring members engage the plurality of receiving portions and cause a sealing force to be exerted against the filter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An airway pressure support system (2) includes a housing (4) having an air inlet opening (54), and a filter assembly (50) coupled to a plurality of receiving portions of the housing. The filter assembly is in fluid communication with the air inlet opening. The filter assembly includes a housing portion (62), a first filter media portion (64) attached to the housing portion, and first and second spring members (84, 86) attached to the housing portion, wherein the first and second spring members each have a floating portion and engage the plurality of receiving portions and cause a sealing force to be exerted against the filter assembly.