Inflatable Seal Support Structure for CIP-Cleanable Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating devices with inflatable seals cannot be cleaned effectively using clean-in-place (CIP) methods, as the seals and grooves require manual disassembly and cleaning, which is not feasible for automated residue-free cleaning in Super Clean facilities.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with a support structure forming a receiving space for the inflatable seal, allowing it to expand and seal between the main body and container wall, enabling automated CIP cleaning and peripheral rinsing, and featuring a lightweight, grid-like design for easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable seals are assembled in a groove in the movable component, then a robust sealing is created between the components, but a clean-in-place (CIP) cleaning of the groove and inflatable seal is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the inflatable seal from the movable component by placing it in a receiving space on the stationary component instead of integrating it into the movable component's groove. This segmentation allows the seal to be accessed independently for cleaning while maintaining its sealing function between the movable component and container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving space acts as an intermediary structure that holds the inflatable seal in a position where it can be cleaned by CIP systems. This intermediate location allows cleaning media to access the seal and groove area without requiring disassembly, resolving the contradiction between sealed robustness and cleaning accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid component with a groove is used to house the inflatable seal, then the seal is securely positioned, but the device becomes heavier and more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the solid component with a groove with a flexible or thin-walled support structure containing the inflatable seal. This allows the seal to be positioned and supported while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity. The support structure can be formed as a thin shell that provides sufficient support without requiring heavy solid construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static solid component to a dynamic support structure that can deform or flex to accommodate the inflatable seal. This dynamic approach allows the support structure to provide stable positioning when needed while being easier to manufacture and potentially collapsible for cleaning or maintenance purposes.
3Ease of operation
If manual disassembly is required for cleaning the inflatable seal and groove, then cleaning can be performed, but productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the inflatable seal and groove to be cleaned automatically through CIP systems without requiring manual disassembly or intervention. The seal is positioned in the receiving space where cleaning media can flow through and clean both the seal surface and groove area simultaneously, achieving complete cleaning while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic cleaning systems (CIP) to automatically clean the inflatable seal and groove. Cleaning media is pumped or pressurized through the receiving space and groove area, enabling automated, residue-free cleaning that maintains both cleaning completeness and high productivity without manual disassembly.
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
Enables automated, residue-free CIP cleaning of inflatable seals and facilities, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high stability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable seal in the state in which it is subjected to pressure is expanded and bears on the sealing surface as well as the counter sealing surface, so that the inflatable seal separates the container into two chambers and seals these with respect to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device with a separating unit for separating and sealing two chambers of a container. The separating unit includes a main body which has a radial outer peripheral surface designed as a sealing surface. The separating unit includes a support structure arranged in the region of the outer periphery, the main body with the support structure forms a receiving space which at least partly receives the inflatable seal, and the separating unit in the installed state is arranged in the container which includes a container wall which forms the counter scaling surface in a manner such that the scaling surface is annularly enclosed by the counter sealing surface.