Laminar air flow cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning mechanisms for laminar air flow cabinets, such as ultraviolet and physical systems, are inefficient for chemical and microbiological cleaning and can damage delicate components like HEPA, ULPA, or activated carbon filters due to the use of high-pressure water, which leads to filter deterioration and inadequate drainage.
Innovation Solution
A laminar air flow cabinet with an integrated cleaning system featuring an air recycling duct, impermeable surface with a gradient for fluid direction, and a hydraulic pump to inject cleaning fluid through a spray system, ensuring filters remain intact and allowing for effective physical cleaning without exposing them to liquids, along with a flow measurement and control system for constant fluid injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure water is used for physical cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but filter integrity deteriorates due to wetting and splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet interior is segmented into a protected zone (with filters) and a cleaning zone (impermeable surface with drain). The impermeable surface creates a dedicated area where high-pressure water can be applied safely without reaching the filters, while still achieving thorough cleaning of the cabinet interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The impermeable surface acts as an intermediary between the cleaning fluid and the filters. It receives the high-pressure water spray, channels it through the gradient toward the drain, and prevents direct contact between the water and the delicate filter components.
2Reliability
If UV cleaning mechanisms are used, then antibacterial effect is achieved, but chemical and microbiological cleaning efficiency remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two cleaning approaches: the chemical cleaning capability of liquid sprays and the antibacterial effect of UV irradiation. The system alternates between spraying cleaning fluid for chemical cleaning and activating UV lamps for disinfection, achieving both thorough chemical cleaning and microbiological sterilization.
3Area of stationary object
If cleaning fluid is sprayed in the laminar flow zone, then cleaning coverage is improved, but filter contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning space is segmented into a protected filter zone and an exposed cleaning zone. The impermeable surface with gradient creates a controlled area where spraying occurs, physically separating the cleaning activity from the filter location while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage of the cabinet interior.
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 effectively cleans the cabinet components while preserving the integrity of filters by directing cleaning fluid to drains and preventing liquid exposure, ensuring efficient and safe chemical and microbiological cleaning without compromising the filters' functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump which injects fluid through the spray
Implementation Method 2
the impermeable surface has a gradient which directs the cleaning fluid to a drain
Implementation Method 3
at least one fan driving air from the first of the adjacent zones mentioned through a first filter to the laminar flow zone
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A laminar air flow cabinet of the type comprising a laminar flow portion and two adjacent portions, a first adjacent portion located above the laminar portion and a second adjacent portion located below the laminar flow portion, in which the cabinet comprises at least one fan blowing air from the first of these adjacent portions to the laminar flow portion through a first filter, and a second filter located in the second of the adjacent portions, the cabinet comprising at least one spray located in the laminar flow portion, a hydraulic pump injecting fluid through the spray and at least one impermeable surface located between the second filter and the laminar flow portion.