Hinged V-Shaped Membrane Cartridges for Filter Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing membrane holder systems for elongate filter elements require precise insertion into filter housings one by one, which complicates the automation of filter manufacture and increases the risk of membrane damage during handling.

Innovation Solution

A membrane holder with cartridges of V-shaped cross-section connected hingedly in the longitudinal direction, allowing them to be rolled into a cylindrical form for simultaneous insertion into a filter housing, and optionally using a film or bracket to enclose the membranes and prevent them from falling out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cartridges are inserted one by one into the filter housing, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the automation complexity increases and manufacturing time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate cartridges are merged into a single integrated membrane holder assembly where cartridges are connected to each other via connecting pieces. This allows multiple cartridges to be handled and inserted simultaneously as one unit, reducing automation complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane holder is segmented into multiple cartridges that can be independently filled with filter membranes, yet connected through connecting pieces. This segmentation allows flexible assembly and handling while enabling simultaneous insertion into the filter housing, resolving the contradiction between precision and automation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If cartridges are connected rigidly, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to roll into cylindrical form for simultaneous insertion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrollability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pieces use a hinge-like connection mechanism that allows the cartridges to be flexible during the rolling process, enabling them to form a cylindrical shape. Once rolled, the structure maintains its stability for insertion. This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction between structural stability and rollability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If filter membranes are left open in cartridges, then handling is simplified, but the risk of membranes falling out during rolling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidmembrane retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pieces are designed with enclosing structures that preliminarily secure the filter membranes within the cartridges before the rolling process begins. This preliminary enclosure action prevents membranes from falling out during rolling while maintaining ease of handling during the filling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2205344B1Membrane holder
Publication Date: 2012.12.12 DEMAND HLDG
  • EP2205344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2205344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2205344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a membrane holder, comprising a number of cartridges for holding elongate filter membranes, which cartridges have a substantially V-shaped cross-section, wherein the cartridges are connected hingedly to each other in longitudinal direction at right angles to the cross-section. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a filter, comprising the steps of: - providing a number of cartridges of substantially V-shaped cross-section which are connected hingedly to each other in longitudinal direction at right angles to the cross-section; - filling the cartridges with filter membranes; - rolling up the cartridges to a cylindrical form; - pushing the rolled-up cartridges into a cylindrical tube.