Radial Flow Gas Filter Assembly for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial flow filter assemblies for body waste collection pouches are effective but occupy a large area, limiting their applicability and portability.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance radial flow filter assembly with a compact footprint, featuring coextensive filter layers, an imperforate gas and odor barrier layer, and hydrophobic/oleophobic microporous membranes, allowing radial gas flow while preventing liquid ingress, integrated within a gas-impermeable envelope with peripheral spacing for efficient gas filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radial flow filter assembly of large area is used, then gas transmission rate and deodorizing efficiency are improved, but the footprint of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar radial flow configuration to a three-dimensional stacked architecture with multiple filter layers arranged vertically. This dimensional change allows the filter assembly to achieve extended filtering path length and improved gas transmission rate while maintaining a compact footprint, as the flow path extends through multiple layers rather than requiring a large horizontal area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple filter layers are stacked one upon another within a compact envelope. Each filter layer is positioned within the envelope boundaries, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes filtering capacity within a small volume. The imperforate barrier layer is sandwiched between filter layers, creating a nested configuration that prevents gas bypass while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Productivity
If filter layers are arranged to maximize filtering path length, then deodorizing efficiency is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filter assembly into discrete, modular filter layers that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each filter layer is a separate component with defined boundaries, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual units before final assembly. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing the entire assembly by breaking down the process into manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filter layers with an imperforate barrier layer into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. By merging these components into a compact stacked configuration within a single envelope, the patent reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate filter units. The combined structure achieves extended filtering path length while maintaining a unified, manageable assembly.
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 achieves comparable or superior flow transmission and filtering efficiency to larger assemblies while significantly reducing the footprint, ensuring effective deodorization with a smaller, more versatile design.
Implementation Method 1
hydrophobic microporous membranes extending over each of the openings to prevent liquids from entering the envelope and impairing operation of the filter while at the same time allowing gases to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
Flatus gases may therefore enter the first passage through the first opening, flow in generally radial directions through and about the filter to the second passage, and exit from the envelope through the second opening
Implementation Method 3
Both membranes, or at least the one facing the interior of the body waste collection pouch, should additionally be formed of a material that is also oleophobic
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
A high performance flatus gas filter assembly (20), and a body waste collection pouch (10) with which it may be used, along with a method for making such an assembly, are disclosed. The assembly includes a filter pad (26) having first and second layers (27, 28) of deodorizing filter media with an imperforate gas and odor barrier layer sandwiched therebetween for blocking the direct flow of gases between the opposing inner faces of the filter layers. An envelope (21) of liquid and gas impermeable material defines a chamber (25) for enclosing the pad. The envelope has walls with first and second openings communicating with central portions of the first and second filter layers, and defines a peripheral space about the pad to permit the outward flow of flatus gases from the peripheral edge surface of one of the filter layers inwardly into the peripheral edge surface of the other of the filter layers.