Inflatable Seal Leak Testing for Compact Aseptic Isolation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak testing devices for systems isolating two media are bulky, complex, and lack compact, low-mass solutions for ensuring leak-proof connections in environments requiring aseptic or dust-free conditions, such as in nuclear, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Innovation Solution
A compact leak test device with a single pump and pneumatic circuit for inflating and deflating seals, capable of testing the leak-tightness of systems like double-door transfer systems and gloves, using a diaphragm pump to inflate seals at varying pressures and create vacuums, with a control unit to automate the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leak testing devices are used, then reliable leak detection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (seal inflation, vacuum generation, pressure application, and leak detection) into a single integrated testing device. The housing incorporates an inflatable seal that cooperates with the system under test to define a test volume, while a single vacuum pump handles both seal inflation and vacuum generation, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vacuum pump serves multiple functions: it inflates the seal by generating negative pressure, creates the vacuum environment for leak testing, and applies pressure differential across the seal. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, achieving compactness without sacrificing testing reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional leak testing devices are used, then accurate pressure control is achieved, but the device mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control function is integrated into the single vacuum pump system rather than requiring separate pressure generation and vacuum devices. The pump's ability to create and control negative pressure serves both seal inflation and leak testing pressure differential requirements, reducing total device mass while maintaining precise pressure control through the pump's inherent pressure regulation capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If a single pump is used for both seal inflation and leak testing, then device compactness is achieved, but pump performance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is selected and designed to perform multiple functions: generating negative pressure for seal inflation, creating vacuum for leak testing, and providing pressure differential across the seal. This multi-functional pump replaces what would traditionally require separate inflation pump and vacuum pump, achieving compact device volume while the pump's versatile performance characteristics accommodate all testing requirements.
4Productivity
If rapid leak testing is required, then test speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single vacuum pump operates continuously to maintain both seal inflation and vacuum conditions simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential operations with multiple devices. The continuous vacuum generation provides immediate pressure differential for rapid leak detection while maintaining seal inflation, achieving fast testing without requiring complex multi-device coordination systems.
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 device provides efficient, rapid, and reliable leak testing of systems, ensuring airtight connections while being compact and lightweight, reducing the risk of contamination and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pump capable of inflating a large volume at low pressure to inflate the glove or the flexible part, and of inflating a small volume with high pressure to inflate the inflatable seal
Implementation Method 2
a pump capable of inflating a small volume with high pressure and generate a vacuum between the device housing and the alpha or beta part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Leak test device (D1) of at least one system for hermetically sealing two media, said system comprising a flange and a leak-proof sealing means mounted in the flange, said test device comprising a housing (36) including an inflatable seal (48) intended to come, in the inflated state, into contact with the system and to ensure a seal enabling the definition of a test volume between the system and the housing, a pneumatic pump (P1) and a pneumatic circuit (C1) configured to connect, in a first step, the pump (P1) to the inflatable seal (48) so that the pump (P1) inflates the inflatable seal (48), and in a second step, the pump (P1) to the test volume so that the pump (P1) generates in the test volume a pressure at a given value, and means for measuring the pressure in the test volume.