Overspray Separation Unit With Immersed Inlet Collar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overspray separation systems in painting booths face challenges such as high energy consumption, complex construction, and difficulty in automated exchange due to overspray deposition on external surfaces, leading to sticking issues and increased maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The device features a design with angled guide channels and connecting pieces that immerse into the inlet opening of each separation unit, minimizing overspray contact with external surfaces and allowing for horizontal movement and sealing, enabling efficient flow guidance and easy exchange of filter modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separation units are arranged side by side forming a filter wall exposed to booth air laden with overspray, then overspray separation is achieved, but overspray deposits on external surfaces causing separation units to stick together and complicating replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverspray separation effectivenessVSAvoidreplacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful function of overspray deposition on external surfaces is extracted and eliminated by introducing an inlet collar that completely surrounds the inlet opening. This collar acts as a protective barrier that prevents overspray-laden air from contacting the external surfaces of the separation unit, thereby preventing deposition and sticking while maintaining separation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet collar serves as an intermediary element between the overspray-laden air flow and the separation unit's external surfaces. It mediates the interaction by creating a sealed interface that directs air flow through the inlet opening while blocking direct contact with external surfaces, thus preventing deposition without compromising the separation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional wet separators are used to capture overspray, then separation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to high water circulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverspray capture effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable filter modules that are replaced periodically rather than continuously circulating and cleaning water. This approach eliminates the high energy consumption associated with wet separator water circulation while maintaining effective overspray capture through the disposable filtration medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical water circulation system of wet separators with a simpler disposable filter module system. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous water pumping and circulation, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining overspray separation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electrostatically operating dry separators are used to remove overspray, then separation is achieved without water, but energy consumption remains high and construction becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedry separation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple disposable filter modules instead of complex electrostatic separation systems. These filter modules require minimal energy compared to electrostatic separators while achieving effective overspray removal, thereby reducing energy consumption and simplifying the overall system construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of manufacture

If filter modules are replaced manually, then replacement is possible, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule replaceabilityVSAvoidreplacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation system is segmented into modular, interchangeable filter modules that can be independently replaced. This segmentation enables standardized replacement procedures that can be automated, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design reduces energy consumption, simplifies maintenance, and prevents sticking of separation units, facilitating automated and efficient overspray separation with reduced resource and energy requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a filter unit (60) in which the air is filtered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the air guiding device comprises a guide channel formed by baffles extending downwardly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP2953727B9Device for recovering the overspray
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 EISENMANN GMBH
  • EP2953727B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2953727B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2953727B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for separating overspray from the booth air of coating booths, in particular painting systems, charged with overspray. Said device comprises a separation unit (50) through which booth air charged with overspray can be guided and in which overspray is separated. Said separating unit (50) is designed as an exchangeable structural unit comprising a filter housing (56), an inlet opening (58) and a filter unit (60). The air flow charged with overspray can be guided via the air guiding device (38) to the separation unit (50). Said separating unit (50) comprises an inlet collar (82) which defines the inlet (58) at least in sections and the air guiding device (38) comprises a connecting sleeve (46), which immerses in such a manner into the inlet opening (58) when the separating device (50) is in operation in such a manner that said connecting sleeve (46) is surrounded by the inlet collar (82) of the separation unit (50).