Modular Containment System Flexible Corner Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment systems for hazardous and non-hazardous particulate and gas phase contaminants in sensitive environments, such as healthcare facilities, face challenges including exposure of fragile components, non-interchangeable parts, inability to accommodate non-planar surfaces, and reliance on flat surfaces for sealing, which hinders effective airflow control and contamination containment.
Innovation Solution
A modular containment system featuring a flexible corner assembly with adjustable projections and grooves for forming seals between panel assemblies, a strut with channels for secure panel placement, and a door assembly with a sloped track and vertically adjustable components to create a customizable and secure containment area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid panel assemblies are used to form containment walls, then structural strength is improved, but the system cannot accommodate non-planar floors or ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into modular panel assemblies that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each panel assembly includes adjustable feet and mounting mechanisms that allow individual panels to adapt to non-planar surfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assemblies incorporate adjustable and movable components such as height-adjustable feet, telescoping arms, and repositionable mounting mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the rigid panels to adapt to varying floor and ceiling elevations, enabling the system to accommodate non-planar surfaces while maintaining structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If fragile components are exposed in the containment system, then ease of access for installation is improved, but the components are vulnerable to impacts and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
Fragile components such as seals and gaskets are pre-installed onto rigid panels during manufacturing before the containment system is deployed to the site. This preliminary action protects these vulnerable components from damage during transportation and installation, while still allowing easy access to the overall panel assembly for installation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible seal elements and protective coverings that can be integrated into the panel assemblies. These flexible components protect fragile internal elements from impacts and abrasion while allowing the rigid panel structure to maintain its strength and structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-made parts are used for each containment component, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system employs standardized panel assemblies and corner assemblies that can be universally applied to different containment configurations. These modular components are designed with universal connection mechanisms and adjustable features that allow a limited set of standardized parts to create various containment shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for custom-made parts for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels incorporate adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as height-adjustable feet, telescoping arms, and repositionable mounting brackets. These dynamic features allow standardized panels to adapt to different spatial requirements and non-planar surfaces, providing the flexibility of custom-fit solutions while using standardized, interchangeable components that reduce device complexity and production time.
4Reliability
If seals rely on perfectly flat surfaces, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the system cannot accommodate surfaces with variations in elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple adjustable contact points along each panel assembly, including adjustable feet and mounting mechanisms. These segmented sealing points can be independently positioned to compensate for surface variations, allowing the seal to maintain effectiveness even when the underlying floor or ceiling is not perfectly flat.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mounting mechanisms incorporate dynamic, adjustable elements that allow the sealing surfaces to be repositioned and re leveled. Adjustable feet, telescoping arms, and repositionable mounting brackets enable the seal to adapt to surfaces with elevation variations, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring perfectly flat underlying surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A containment system for separating a containment area from an external environment may include one or more panel assemblies, various types of door assemblies, a flexible corner assembly, and other components that form a modular system capable of adapting to various configurations using a minimal number of fasteners, brackets, and/or clamps.