Modular Filtering Device with Antipathogenic Diaphragm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filtration devices lack versatility and efficiency in removing volatile organic compounds and pathogens, particularly in adapting structural and operational characteristics to specific applications while ensuring effective filtration and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A modular filtering device with a multilayer filtering diaphragm containing antipathogenic and photo-catalytic substances, combined with an ultraviolet lamp, which can be configured for various applications by combining tubular sectors with gasket seals and functional elements, effectively filtering air and liquids by utilizing silver microparticles, zeolites, and zirconium oxynitride for pathogen elimination and photocatalysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filtration devices are used, then basic filtration is achieved, but versatility in removing volatile organic compounds and pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration device is divided into multiple functional sectors (first sector with VOC filtering diaphragm, second sector with pathogen filtering diaphragm and UV lamp, third sector with additional filtering diaphragm). Each sector performs a specific filtration function, allowing the device to simultaneously remove different types of contaminants with high efficiency while maintaining versatility across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering diaphragms utilize composite materials including activated carbon for VOC adsorption, zeolites for molecular sieving, and photocatalytic coatings for pathogen elimination. These composite material structures enable the device to achieve both high filtration efficiency for specific contaminants and broad adaptability to different fluid types and contamination scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple functional elements are added to improve filtration efficiency, then removal of volatile organic compounds and pathogens is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular functional sectors, each with a specific filtering diaphragm and associated components (UV lamp in second sector), the complexity is managed through clear functional separation. Each sector can be independently designed and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high filtration efficiency through specialized materials and mechanisms in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple filtering mechanisms (VOC adsorption, pathogen elimination, photocatalysis) within a unified tubular structure. The filtering diaphragms are designed to handle different fluid types (air, water) and contamination types, allowing the device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate systems, thus managing complexity while enhancing efficiency.
3Productivity
If the device is designed for high filtration capacity, then removal of contaminants is improved, but encumbrance and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering diaphragms are positioned concentrically within the tubular casing, with multiple diaphragms nested at different radial positions. The UV lamp is positioned within the second sector, nested among the filtering structures. This nested arrangement maximizes the filtration surface area and capacity within a compact cylindrical volume, maintaining high productivity without excessive device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the radial dimension within the tubular casing to arrange multiple filtering diaphragms at different radii, effectively increasing the filtration capacity by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. Fluid flows through the device in the axial direction while encountering filtering surfaces at multiple radial positions, transforming a potential single-plane filtration into a multi-layered three-dimensional filtration system that achieves high capacity in a compact form.
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 achieves comprehensive air and liquid purification by combining antipathogenic and photocatalytic actions, ensuring high filtration efficiency and adaptability across diverse applications, including automotive, HVAC systems, and water treatment, with self-regenerating active carbon and adaptable configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first filtering diaphragm (6) provided with an active carbon layer (61)
Implementation Method 2
a second filtering diaphragm (6) provided with a photo-catalysing layer (62) having a photo-catalysing substance, in particular zirconium oxynitride, and an ultraviolet lamp (7) which is operatively associated to the second filtering diaphragm (6) so as to be able to activate the photo-catalysing substance
Implementation Method 3
Gasket elements 4 are interposed between the tabs 2a of the adjacent sectors to guarantee hermetic seal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Described herein is a device (1; 1') for filtering a fluid, comprising a casing (2; 20) defining a passage of flow, which, during operation of the device, is to be traversed by a fluid (F) to be filtered, and a filtering diaphragm (6, 8; 26) mounted within the casing (2; 20) to carry out an action of filtering of the fluid that traverses the passage of flow. The device is characterised in that the filtering diaphragm (6, 8; 26) is provided with an antipathogenic substance.