Inflatable Seal Holding Device for Filter Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for filter elements in gas dedusting filters are cumbersome to change and lack reliable sealing, making automation difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic pressure-controlled sealing system using an inflatable seal that securely holds and seals the filter element, allowing for easy automation of filter element changes without the need for expensive, precision-manufactured parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange fastening with screw connections or mechanical clamping devices is used, then the filter element is held and sealed, but the solution is complicated to handle when changing a filter element and hardly allows automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable seal element that uses pneumatic pressure to create a reliable sealing connection between the filter element and housing. The seal element can be inflated through a gas connection to engage with the filter element, providing secure holding and sealing without complex mechanical fastening systems. This pneumatic mechanism enables easy automation of filter element changes while maintaining high sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If flange fastening with screw connections or mechanical clamping devices is used, then the filter element is held and sealed, but the solution is complicated and costly to manufacture with high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable seal element replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler pneumatic mechanism. The seal element can be made from elastomeric materials that are easier and less costly to manufacture with standard tolerances compared to precision mechanical components. The pneumatic inflation system provides reliable sealing without requiring high-precision manufacturing of holding elements.
3Ease of operation
If a funnel-shaped segment with conically widening filter element is used, then the filter element can be suspended, but the sealing is insufficiently reliable allowing dust or particle-laden gas to leak
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable seal element provides active pneumatic sealing that ensures reliable sealing between the filter element and housing. When inflated, the seal element creates a tight seal that prevents dust or particle-laden gas from leaking, overcoming the insufficient sealing of passive geometric shapes like funnel segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is made from flexible elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the filter element and housing surfaces, creating a reliable seal. This flexible sealing approach is more effective than rigid geometric shapes for preventing gas leakage while maintaining ease of installation.
4Reliability
If expensive holding elements with high precision manufacturing are used, then secure holding and sealing can be achieved, but the cost increases and automation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable seal element with pneumatic actuation simplifies the holding device structure by replacing expensive precision-manufactured mechanical holding elements with a flexible seal and pneumatic system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable holding and sealing through the pneumatic engagement mechanism.
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
The solution provides a reliable, secure, and cost-effective sealing and holding mechanism that simplifies the process of changing filter elements, enabling efficient automation and minimizing the risk of dust or particle-laden gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable seal (6) is arranged in this receptacle 5. A gas connection 12 is arranged on the lower part 2.1 of the outer holding element 2.1, via which the inflatable seal can be filled or emptied with pressurized gas.
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable seal 6 engages in this groove when it is filled with pressurized gas and expands. It then presses the filter hose 9 firmly against the counter surface 7 of the inner holding element 1.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding device for a filter element (3), such as a filter candle, cartridge filter, filter pocket or similar, which is replaceably arranged in a housing wall (4) of a filter chamber of a filter for the dust extraction from gas and which separates a clean gas room from a dust-laden gas room. The aim of the invention is to provide a holding device for a filter element (3), which device allows a high reliability of sealing of the clean gas room from the dust-laden gas room of a filter for the dust extraction from gas while being easy to replace and allowing automation of the filter replacement. To achieve this aim, the holding device has an outer holding element (2), arranged in a housing wall (4) of a filter chamber, and a n inner holding element (1) arranged at the open end of a filter element (3). The outer holding element (2) has a through opening for accommodating the inner holding element (1) and an inflatable seal (6) is arranged on the outer holding element (2) and surrounds the through opening. The inner holding element (1) has a mating surface (7) on its outer periphery on which surface the inflatable seal (6) can be brought into sealing contact by inflating it. The outer holding element (2) comprises means (12) for passing a gas into the inflatable seal (6).