Pressure Generator Inlet Filter Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-sided disc or pancake filters used in personal respirators collapse under higher pressures and flow rates found in therapeutic gas delivery systems, leading to increased pressure drop and reduced ability to generate therapeutic pressures.
Innovation Solution
A pressure generator inlet apparatus with a support structure that extends from the body to prevent filter collapse, allowing the use of two-sided disc or pancake filters by creating an orifice for gas flow while maintaining filter stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-sided disc or pancake filters are used in therapeutic gas delivery systems, then filtration is achieved, but the filters collapse under higher pressures and flow rates causing increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple radial support elements that divide the filter into multiple segments, providing distributed support across the filter surface to prevent collapse under pressure while maintaining filtration capability
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the filter and the housing, providing mechanical support to the filter to prevent collapse into the orifice under high pressure and flow rate conditions
2Reliability
If two-sided disc or pancake filters are used in therapeutic gas delivery systems, then filtration is achieved, but the filters collapse under higher pressures and flow rates reducing ability to generate therapeutic pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a mediator that allows the filter to maintain its structural integrity under high pressure conditions, enabling the system to generate therapeutic pressures without filter collapse while preserving filtration function
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends into the third dimension from the housing toward the filter, creating a spatial relationship that provides mechanical support without interfering with the filtration function, allowing the filter to operate at higher pressures
3Stability of the object's composition
If a support structure is added to prevent filter collapse, then filter stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the housing as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate support elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining filter stability
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the filter, provides structural support, and incorporates the support structure as an integral part, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall device design
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 solution enables the effective filtration of gases at higher pressures and flow rates, reducing pressure drop and maximizing the ability to generate therapeutic pressures in therapeutic gas delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The support is configured to resist collapse of the filter into the orifice caused by gas flowing through the filter to the pressure generator inlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a therapeutic gas delivery system (8) including a pressure generator inlet apparatus (10) configured to facilitate filtering of gas drawn into the inlet (14) of the pressure generator (16) of the system. The apparatus comprises a body (12) and a support (24). The body is configured to removably engage the inlet of the pressure generator and receive a particulate filter (18). The body forms an orifice (19) configured to conduct gas that has passed through the filter to the pressure generator inlet. The support is coupled to the body at or near the orifice. The support is configured to extend from the body toward the filter and support the filter. The support is configured to resist collapse of the filter into the orifice caused by gas flowing through the filter to the pressure generator inlet.