Self-Cleaning Rotary Sight Window for Centrifugal Machines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary sight windows for centrifugal machines fail to provide a leak-tight, solvent-resistant, and vibration-free attachment method for the rotary glass pane, and lack ATEX compliance for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, leading to visibility issues and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning rotary sight window design featuring a leak-tight interference fit between the transparent rotary panel and the rotary frame, using a dimensional interference fit without adhesives, combined with a labyrinth seal for smooth rotation and an inert atmosphere system to prevent contamination, ensuring precise centering and safety in solvent-exposed environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive materials are used to attach the glass pane to the frame, then the attachment is simple and effective, but the adhesive deteriorates upon contact with solvents and becomes detached over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment durabilityVSAvoidsolvent contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive material from the attachment system entirely. Instead of using adhesives that deteriorate in solvent environments, the invention employs a mechanical interference fit between the rotary glass pane and frame, where the glass pane is retained by dimensional interference and friction forces generated during rotation, eliminating the harmful effect of solvent contact on adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding mechanism (interference fit). The glass pane is attached to the rotary frame through precise dimensional interference, where the slightly larger diameter of the glass pane creates friction forces and mechanical engagement that secure the attachment without requiring any adhesive materials susceptible to solvent degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the glass pane is firmly attached to prevent vibrations, then the attachment strength increases, but the attachment becomes more complex and may require adhesives that deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-centering and self-securing mechanism where the interference fit automatically generates the necessary friction forces and mechanical engagement during the attachment process. The dimensional interference causes the glass pane to self-center within the rotary frame, and the friction forces generated during rotation further secure the attachment, eliminating the need for complex adhesive application procedures or additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the access opening is reduced to prevent solvent entry, then the sealing improves, but the insertion of the glass pane becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidglass pane insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing thermal expansion of the rotary frame and/or thermal contraction of the glass pane during the attachment process. This temporary thermal treatment creates sufficient clearance to allow the glass pane to be inserted through the access opening, after which the thermal effect is removed, allowing the interference fit to develop full sealing effectiveness without requiring a permanently large access opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a secure, solvent-resistant, and vibration-free attachment that maintains visibility and safety by preventing adhesive deterioration and ensuring ATEX compliance, allowing the rotary sight window to operate effectively in chemical processing environments without risking contamination or explosion.

Implementation Method 1

a leak-tight interference fit between the transparent rotary panel and the rotary frame, using a dimensional interference fit without adhesives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference fit:

Implementation Method 2

combined with a labyrinth seal for smooth rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLabyrinth seal:

Implementation Method 3

an inert atmosphere system to prevent contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInert atmosphere:

Data Source

PatentUS11648570B2Self-cleaning rotary viewing hole and centrifugal machine provided with said rotary viewing hole

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 RIERA NADEU

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fluid treatment chamber with a self-cleaning rotary sight window. The proposed rotary sight window includes a stationary frame (10); a transparent stationary panel (11) attached to the stationary frame by a leak-tight joint (41); a rotary frame (20) connected to the stationary frame (10) by a rotary joint (40); a transparent rotary panel (21) attached to the rotary frame (20) by a joint, the transparent rotary panel (21) being arranged opposite and spaced apart from the transparent stationary panel (11) by an intermediate chamber (1); and a motor (30) connected to the transparent rotary panel (21) or to the rotary frame (20), wherein the joint between the transparent rotary panel (21) and the rotary frame (20) is an interference joint (43) attached by a dimensional interference fit.