Object-Treatment Filter With Flexible Edge Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filters for machines used in sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments and laboratory devices suffer from issues such as deformation of the filtering panel edges, allowing dirt particles to pass through, and are difficult to assemble and disassemble, slowing down maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A filter design featuring a concave central body with a retention member that flexes the filtering panel edge to perfectly adhere to the collection tank aperture, using a selectively adjustable connection member to ensure secure attachment and minimize particle leakage, with a retention member shaped like an 'M' to enhance elasticity and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the filtering panel to the collection tank aperture, then the filtering panel can be securely attached, but the edge of the filtering panel deforms and creates gaps that allow dirt particles to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering panel edge is designed as a flexible element that can be uniformly compressed against the collection tank aperture perimeter. The retention member applies pressure to flex the edge material, creating a conforming seal that eliminates gaps without deforming the panel structure, thus preventing particle leakage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the physical state of the filtering panel edge by flexing it under controlled pressure from the retention member. This parameter change (from rigid to flexed state) allows the edge to conform to the aperture perimeter, ensuring uniform contact and preventing gaps that would allow particles to pass through.
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix the filtering panel, then the panel can be attached to the collection tank, but assembly and disassembly operations become slow and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is divided into multiple independent compression elements distributed along the filtering panel perimeter. Each element can independently flex and compress the panel edge, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment throughout. This segmented approach eliminates the need for multiple screw fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member incorporates flexible elements that can dynamically adapt to the filtering panel edge during assembly and disassembly. The flexible nature allows for quick engagement and release without requiring precise alignment or tool-assisted screw operations, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
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 filter effectively prevents dirt particles from entering the collection tank, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and maintains a secure seal, thereby ensuring efficient and quick maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
Said retention member is configured to selectively flex said filtering member and take said edge toward a direction substantially normal, or perpendicular, to said internal surface
Implementation Method 2
a filter for a machine for treating objects... The collection tank has an upper aperture, communicating with the treatment chamber, in correspondence with which a filter is positioned which is suitable for preventing any particles or corpuscles of dirt or contaminants
Data Source
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AI summary
Filter (10) for a machine for treating objects (11) and comprising a filtering member (20) having both a central body (22) defining an external surface (23) and an internal surface (25) opposite the external surface (23), and an edge (26) connected to the central body (22), wherein the filtering member (10) is flexed by a retention member (21) to take the edge (26) toward a normal direction (N) to the internal surface (25).