Removable Grid Cover Clips for Faster Filter Grid Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing unwanted particulates from filter system grids, such as those in ventilation systems, are labor-intensive, hazardous, and costly, often resulting in injuries and potential fires due to the difficulty in loosening densely coated filters and the use of expensive processes like dry ice or sand blasting.
Innovation Solution
A grid cover system that overlies support struts between filters, featuring removable clips with resilient arms and a durable plastic material, allowing easy removal of accumulated particulates by twisting, pounding, heating, scraping, or chemical dipping, thereby preventing buildup on the grid and stabilizing filters during heavy loads or inadequate airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods (brass putty knife or plastic scraper) are used to remove particulates from the grid, then the grid can be cleaned, but the process is very time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The grid cover is divided into multiple removable clips that can be independently detached from the grid. Each clip can be easily removed and cleaned separately, significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to cleaning the entire grid structure at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid covers are extracted as separate removable components from the main grid structure. By taking out the clips that accumulate particulates and cleaning them separately, the cleaning process becomes much more efficient and less labor-intensive than cleaning the fixed grid in place.
2Productivity
If traditional removal methods are used on densely coated areas, then particulates can be removed, but broken fingers, hands, and wrists occur due to the difficulty in loosening filters
Solution Approach 1:
The grid covers are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. Rather than forcing difficult removal operations on densely coated filters, the entire cover can be removed and replaced, eliminating the need for workers to manually scrape hard-to-remove particulates from sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid covers act as intermediary components between the grid structure and the filters. They provide a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between workers' hands and the sharp grid edges or densely coated filter surfaces, thereby reducing injuries.
3Productivity
If removal devices or grid surfaces are used, then particulates can be scraped off, but cuts and abrasions occur regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The grid covers serve as intermediary protective elements that workers can handle safely. Instead of directly manipulating sharp grid surfaces or using potentially hazardous scraping tools, workers remove and clean the softer grid cover materials, which do not cause cuts or abrasions.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the grid covers as separate removable components, the design eliminates the need for workers to use scraping devices on the main grid structure. The covers can be removed intact and cleaned separately, avoiding contact with sharp edges that cause injuries.
4Productivity
If conventional removal processes are used, then particulates can be cleared, but thermal events or fires occur due to sparks or heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable grid covers can be removed and disposed of or replaced without requiring intensive cleaning processes that generate sparks or excessive heat. This eliminates the fire hazard associated with aggressive thermal or mechanical removal methods on the main grid structure.
5Reliability
If expensive methods like dry ice, sand blasting, or chemical dipping are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the processes are very expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the grid into removable cover components, the design enables simple, low-cost cleaning methods. Instead of requiring expensive industrial cleaning processes like sand blasting or chemical dipping, the covers can be easily removed and cleaned with basic methods, achieving sufficient cleanliness without high costs or time investment.
Data Source
AI summary
A grid cover for a grid of a filter system covers a strut of the grid. The grid cover may be removable. The grid cover may be configured as a clip and may be clipped on the strut of the grid.