U-Profile Support Device for Fluidized Bed Line Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for fluidized bed systems pose challenges in maintaining stability, cleaning, and routing of lines due to their design, which leads to contamination risks and difficulties in absorbing explosion pressure, making them inefficient and non-compliant with GMP guidelines.

Innovation Solution

A U-profile support device with a removable cover allows for easy access and routing of cables and hoses internally, providing mechanical stability, defined spaces for actuators and lines, and a tool-free, GMP-compliant sealing mechanism that simplifies installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a closed hollow profile support device is used, then stability and section modulus are improved, but cleaning accessibility and line routing become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into an open profile structure with distinct sides, allowing access to the interior space from the sides rather than requiring complete disassembly. This segmentation enables cleaning personnel to access and clean the interior surfaces while maintaining structural stability through the open profile design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate is extracted as a separate removable component from the support device structure. This allows the cover to be easily removed for accessing the interior space for line routing and cleaning, then reattached to maintain structural integrity and stability of the support device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If lines are routed externally on the support device surface, then installation is simple, but contamination risk and cleanability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Lines are nested within the interior space of the open profile support device structure. The support device acts as a container that houses the lines internally, protecting them from external contamination sources while allowing straightforward installation through the accessible interior space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The interior space of the open profile support device serves as an intermediary environment for routing lines. This intermediate space provides a protected pathway that isolates lines from direct exposure to contamination risks while maintaining easy accessibility for installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a closed profile is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability for line routing and component installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidline routing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into an open profile with accessible sides and a removable cover plate, creating multiple access points to the interior space. This segmentation maintains structural strength through the profile design while providing versatile access for routing various lines and installing components as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate is designed to be removably attachable, providing dynamic adaptability to the otherwise stable profile structure. This allows the support device to transition between a closed stable structure and an open accessible structure, enabling flexible line routing and component installation while maintaining structural integrity when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the support device interior is enclosed, then protection from external influences is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external influencesVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate is extracted as a separate removable component that can be easily detached to provide access to the interior space for maintenance and installation activities, then reattached to restore protection from external influences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device structure is segmented to include an open profile with side accessibility and a separate cover plate, allowing maintenance personnel to access the interior through the open side for routine maintenance while the cover plate can be removed for more extensive installation or repair work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3034927B1Support device for fluidised bed installations
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 ACG PHARMA TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD
  • EP3034927B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3034927B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Support device, in particular for fluidized bed systems, which can be connected to the fluidized bed system at at least one point, with a U-profile having an opening on one side and a cover of the opening that can be removed without damage, wherein the U-profile has, in particular, a U-web and two U-legs.