Filter Unit Automatic Actuation for Barrier Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for barrier systems require manual or tool-actuated spindle mechanisms to open and close filter covers, making the process time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with multiple filter units in clean rooms or isolators.
Innovation Solution
The filter unit incorporates an automatic actuation mechanism, such as pressure or electromotive devices, integrated into the filter element, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple units and ensuring safe encapsulation of hazardous substances during energy failures, with a compact design that reduces space requirements and minimizes cleaning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or tool-actuated spindle mechanisms are used to open and close filter covers, then the filter units can be operated, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with multiple filter units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical spindle mechanisms with an automated actuation system that uses a piston and pressure chamber. The piston is actuated by applying pressure or vacuum to the pressure chamber, automatically moving the filter cover between open and closed positions without requiring manual intervention or tool actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic principles by using a pressure chamber that can be filled with pressurized gas or liquid to move the piston. This allows automatic actuation of the filter cover through pressure differential, enabling rapid and efficient operation of multiple filter units simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If automatic actuation mechanisms are integrated into the filter element, then space requirements are reduced and cleaning time is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the actuation mechanism within the filter element itself by nesting the piston inside the filter housing and incorporating the pressure chamber as part of the filter structure. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for external actuation components, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuation mechanism with the filter element by integrating the piston, pressure chamber, and cover movement system into a single unified component. This combination reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure, counteracting the increase in complexity through functional integration.
3Reliability
If the closing mechanism is arranged in the filter element, then sterile systems can be used and critical areas are excluded, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the closing mechanism from the process area and integrates it into the filter element, which can be replaced as a single unit. This extraction ensures that the actuation mechanism remains outside the sterile process area, maintaining sterile system integrity while allowing the entire filter assembly to be manufactured and sterilized together as one component.
4Reliability
If spring actuation is used for automatic closing during energy failures, then safety is improved by encapsulating hazardous substances, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that is pre-loaded to automatically close the filter cover in the event of energy failure or pressure loss. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the default state upon loss of actuation pressure is the safe closed position, automatically encapsulating hazardous substances without requiring additional control systems or complex fail-safe mechanisms.
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
This solution streamlines filter changes and maintenance, enhancing safety and efficiency by enabling automatic operation of multiple filter units while ensuring containment of hazardous substances, even in the event of energy failures, and reducing the need for additional materials or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the piston relative to the piston receptacle can be controlled via pressure conditions in this pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
The piston 34 is prestressed in the axial direction relative to the piston receptacle 26 by a compression spring 38
Implementation Method 3
in the event of a failure of auxiliary energy such as electricity, pressure or vacuum, they automatically close by spring actuation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The filter unit (1) has a filter closure that is provided for connecting the filter unit with a barrier system (2). The filter closure is connected with filters, and is provided with a filter flange having an aperture. A lid is provided for opening and closing the aperture of filter flange. Specific piston retainer is provided for moving the lid, and is movably supported in other piston retainer.