Solvent Separation Device with Dynamic State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface treatment devices lack simplicity and safety in operation, particularly in switching between operating states and managing solvent separation, leading to potential health hazards and inefficiencies in solvent removal from work areas.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment device with a solvent separation system that can be easily switched between separating and idle states using mechanical or electrical means, combined with a regenerable particle separation filter and air recirculation, allowing for efficient solvent management and safe access to contaminated areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the solvent separating device is continuously operated in separating state, then solvent removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and the device cannot be quickly switched to idle state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solvent separating device is designed to dynamically switch between separating state and idle state based on operational requirements. The switching mechanism allows the device to adapt its separating capacity, enabling quick transition from active solvent removal to standby mode, thereby reducing energy consumption when continuous separation is not needed while maintaining high removal efficiency when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the solvent separating device is switched off completely in idle state, then energy consumption is reduced, but the time to restore separating capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtime to restore separating capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains a standby state with residual separating capacity instead of complete shutdown. This preliminary maintenance of partial functionality allows the device to quickly resume full separating operation when needed, avoiding the time required to rebuild separating capacity from zero while still reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the solvent separating device operates at full capacity continuously, then solvent separation performance is improved, but the complexity of operation and control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent separation performanceVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating states are segmented into distinct modes (separating state and idle state) with clear switching criteria. This segmentation simplifies operation by providing well-defined states rather than continuous adjustment, making the system easier to control while maintaining reliable solvent separation performance when in the separating state.

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

Enables quick and safe operation by reducing solvent concentration in work areas, facilitating rapid access and efficient regeneration of the solvent separation system, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a solvent separating device (142) which can be set either into a separating state or into a resting state, by means of which solvent can be separated from a gas stream which is to be conducted through a work area (108)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a particle separation device designed as a regenerable filter device for separating particles from a particle-laden gas flow that is guided through a work area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2906358B1Surface treatment device and method for operating a surface treatment device
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP2906358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2906358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906358B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to provide a surface treatment device for treating a surface of a workpiece that can be operated easily and reliably, it is proposed that the surface treatment device comprises the following: a working area, in which the surface of the workpiece can be treated; a flow-conducting device, by means of which a stream of gas can be made to pass through the working area; and a solvent depositing device, for depositing solvent from the stream of gas that is made to pass through the working area, wherein the solvent depositing device can, according to choice, be set to a depositing state or to an inoperative state, the solvent depositing device in the depositing state depositing solvent from the stream of gas.