Particle Containment Panel

Inspiration

We wanted something incredibly easy to use and reliable, with a minimum number of wear components.

What it does

These panel walls are designed for containing contaminants in the RMAF facility, but can be used in any area that needs particle containment. Turning the release level moves the clamps, and polycarbonate Panels unfold with the use of polypropylene live hinges, with their weight supported by torsion springs for ease of handling. Once fully unfolded, the lowest panel is attached to flip up cam fasteners in the mid-deck floor. Airtight zippers attached to the panel edges unfold simultaneously, and are pulled top down to fully seal the joint between the panel walls. The zipper terminates at a urethane base seal. Urethane seals are also attached to the base panel edge to seal against the floor.

All surfaces are smooth (< RMS 125) and easily cleaned, with minimal work-area-facing crevices. The PC and PP components are coated in anti-static polyimde, increasing cleanability and providing heat resistance to flying chips and sparks.

For the workbench perimeters in the RMAF, PC panels are formed around the backs of the workbench from floor to ceiling and bolted securely.

All parts of the assemblies are replaceable without significant work, and the simplicity of the panel wall allows many material options (e.g., aluminum panels could replace PC in all or only some sections)

How we built it

Napkin sketch -> OnShape

Challenges we ran into

The RMAF is in the absolute worst location for particulate containment. Finding a way to seal all perimeters while allowing side airlock and vertical traversal required remodeling the mid-deck facilities to ensure fit and function.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We completed a decent model in a day, and with a few more hours of design time it could be ready to send to prototype.

What we learned

A basic reading of this challenge makes it seem like a simple problem, but digging into the requirements we found a complex problem that, fortunately, could be solved with a relatively simple solution.

What's next for Particle Containment Panel

Built With

• onshape