Inflatable Seal Cartridge Filter Closure System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealed closure systems for cartridge filters, such as those using flanges, rocker nuts, and clamps, face issues with high maintenance times, cost inefficiency, and corrosion resistance, particularly in glass fiber-reinforced polyester (GFRP) bodies, and existing alternatives with O-ring seals are complex to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A sealed closure system that eliminates external mechanical attachments, utilizing an inflatable seal within a cylindrical body and cover, where the seal is inflated with fluid pressure to create a tight seal, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, and is made from corrosion-resistant polymer materials like glass fiber-reinforced polyester.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange union systems are used for cover-body attachment, then the closure is secure and reliable, but maintenance time increases significantly due to removing and reassembling multiple bolts and nuts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the cover itself and relocates it to separate closure elements (clamps or rocks) that attach to the body. This allows the cover to be a simple end-cap that can be quickly removed, while the actual securing mechanism is external and can be independently manipulated during maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cover (for sealing), the closure elements (for securing), and the connection interface. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed independently for cartridge access, while the closure elements remain attached to the body, significantly reducing maintenance time
2Ease of operation
If rocker nuts and bolts are used for closure, then assembly is facilitated, but the system becomes less cost-effective and incompatible with GFRP bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The closure elements are designed with universal applicability to work with both metallic and GFRP bodies through standardized attachment mechanisms. The rocks or clamps can be configured with different mounting options (through-bolts, surface-mounted, or embedded) to accommodate various body materials, making the system universally applicable across different filter constructions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex threaded fastening systems (rocker nuts and bolts) with simpler mechanical closure elements that use leverage and friction principles. The rocks pivot to clamp the cover, while clamps use direct mechanical pressure, eliminating the need for threaded connections and reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamps with external fixing elements are used, then closure flexibility is improved, but additional external rods are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the function of external fixing elements with the closure elements themselves. The rocks and clamps are designed to attach directly to the body using integrated mounting features (such as embedded attachment points or surface-mounted bases), eliminating the need for separate external rods while maintaining closure flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements serve multiple functions: they provide the clamping force, attach to the body, and allow for adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate different filter sizes and configurations
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 reduces maintenance time, optimizes costs, ensures corrosion resistance, and simplifies the assembly process while being applicable to filters of any diameter, providing a compact and efficient closure system.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is inflated with fluid pressure to create a tight seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealed closure system for a cartridge filter, comprising a cylindrical body (1) and a cover (2) which sealingly closes the body (1). According to the invention, the body (1) comprises a projection (8) for supporting the cover (2) and a recess (6) for housing a stop (4), and the cover (2) comprises a peripheral recess (7) for housing a hollow seal (3) that is inflated with a fluid supplied through a tube (5) in order to exert pressure on the inner wall of the body (1), thereby closing and sealing the filter.