Fluid Interconnect with Camming Sealing for Filter Capsules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stacked disk-type lenticular filtration systems are bulky, time-consuming to assemble, require expensive and heavy metallic parts, and need skilled operators for proper compression, leading to increased sanitization costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of disposable filter capsules with a fluid interconnect that eliminates the need for a separate sanitary housing, reduces part and labor costs, and features a connector with a sealing member and camming members to ensure proper sealing and easy connection of large-diameter filter capsules, reducing the reliance on operator skill and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stacked disk-type lenticular filters are used with a sanitary housing and center rod compression system, then proper sealing and filtration function are achieved, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and complex requiring skilled operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular filter capsules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each capsule is a self-contained unit with integrated sealing features, eliminating the need for a separate sanitary housing and complex compression system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through standardized connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing features, connector elements, and filter media are merged into a single integrated filter capsule assembly. The connector incorporates sealing members and camming members in one component, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and compression mechanisms. This merging simplifies the overall system while ensuring reliable sealing through the integrated design.
2Strength
If traditional metallic parts and sanitary housing are used, then durability and sealing are achieved, but the system becomes expensive, heavy, and requires extensive sanitization
Solution Approach 1:
The filter capsules are designed as disposable units that can be easily replaced rather than cleaned and reused. This eliminates the need for expensive sanitization processes and heavy metallic components. The disposable nature allows for lighter materials to be used, reducing overall system weight while maintaining adequate structural strength for the filtration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition is changed from traditional heavy metallic parts to lighter, more cost-effective materials such as polymers or composites. These materials maintain sufficient structural strength for the application while significantly reducing weight. The parameter change in material selection also enables easier assembly and disposal, reducing operational complexity and environmental impact.
3Manufacturing precision
If a center rod with active follower is used for compression, then proper filter compression is achieved, but the system requires skilled operator training and time for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter capsules are pre-assembled with integrated sealing features and connector elements in a controlled manufacturing environment. The sealing members and camming members are positioned in advance during fabrication, eliminating the need for skilled operator intervention during assembly. This preliminary action ensures consistent compression precision while dramatically reducing assembly time in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-compressing features that automatically ensure proper sealing and compression without requiring skilled operator intervention. The camming members and sealing members are designed to engage automatically during capsule connection, providing consistent compression precision through the self-service mechanism while eliminating the need for trained operators.
4Quantity of substance
If large diameter disk-type filters are used, then filtration capacity is improved, but connection and sealing become more difficult and require more force
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design shifts the connection interface to a smaller diameter portion of the filter capsule, away from the large diameter filter media area. This dimensional change allows for easier connection and sealing operations on the connector itself, while the large diameter filter capsules maintain their filtration capacity. The sealing action is concentrated at the connector interface rather than requiring force across the entire large diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members and camming members are concentrated at specific local areas of the connector rather than distributing force across the entire filter capsule. This local quality approach allows for effective sealing and connection at critical points while reducing the overall force required for assembly. The connector design creates localized compression zones that ensure proper sealing without requiring excessive force across the large diameter structure.
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 results in a lighter, easier-to-assemble filtration system with reduced sanitization needs, lower material costs, and a more compact design, while ensuring effective fluid sealing and reduced downtime between uses.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camming member disposed on the connector
Implementation Method 2
sealing member disposed on the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid interconnect for a fluid handling device is disclosed. The fluid interconnect comprises a connector having a first axis. A sealing member is disposed on the connector. At least one camming member is also disposed on the connector. The at least one camming member is disposed inboard of the sealing member.