Vacuum Bag Inlet Gasket and Closure Plug for Dust Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum filters are prone to failure, with inlet gaskets stretching out of plane and providing insufficient resistance, leading to compromised seals and leakage of hazardous debris during disposal, exposing workers and the environment to dust and debris.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum filter bag with an improved inlet gasket and closure plug design that securely attaches to the vacuum inlet, resisting removal and ensuring a tight seal to prevent debris escape, featuring a flexible and elastic gasket with varying thicknesses and surface features for secure engagement and a plug that effectively seals the inlet opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional inlet gasket is used to attach the vacuum filter to the vacuum inlet, then the filter can be easily installed and removed, but the gasket stretches out of plane and provides insufficient resistance, leading to compromised seals and debris leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket incorporates varying thicknesses with thicker portions and thinner portions strategically positioned to provide localized reinforcement where needed while maintaining flexibility in other areas, preventing stretching and seal compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is made from a composite material combining flexibility for easy installation with elastic properties for maintaining seal integrity, and varying thicknesses to provide both compliance and structural resistance
2Ease of operation
If the vacuum filter bag is opened for disposal without proper sealing, then debris can be easily accessed and removed, but hazardous dust and debris escape into the environment, exposing workers to health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The closure plug is inserted into the inlet opening before disposal to seal the filter bag, preventing dust and debris from escaping during handling and transport, while still allowing controlled access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The closure plug acts as an intermediary element that seals the inlet opening, mediating between the need to access debris for disposal and the need to prevent hazardous dust from escaping into the environment
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 improved design ensures secure collection and containment of hazardous debris, minimizing worker exposure and environmental contamination by maintaining a tight seal during use and disposal, effectively capturing dust and debris without significant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and elastic gasket with varying thicknesses and surface features for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum filter bag includes an inlet flange and gasket and a plug. The inlet flange includes axial ribs and recesses which improve the seal between the inlet gasket and a vacuum inlet port and prevent accidental removal of the filter bag from the vacuum inlet port. The plug more securely closes the filter inlet opening after use of the filter bag. The filter bag reduces user exposure to dust and debris captured with a vacuum and is particularly suited for minimizing exposure to hazardous materials.