Sorbent system

Abstract

An adsorbent system includes a body having or defining a channel therein, the body configured to couple with a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment and such that a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment. The system also includes an adsorbent material located in the channel, wherein the channel and adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing through the channel from the first end to the second end is able to flow through the adsorbent material, and such that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end is able to flow through a majority of the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid flowed. The system also includes a valve system disposed at, or adjacent to, or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2018 / 056822, international application date of October 22, 2018, national application number of 201880070963.5, entry into the Chinese national phase on April 29, 2020, and invention title of "Adsorbent System".

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 580,712, filed November 2, 2017, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 103,431, filed August 14, 2018, both entitled “ADSORBENT SYSTEM”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to an adsorbent system, and more specifically, to an adsorbent system having a specific desiccant and / or a specific valve device for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. Background Technology

[0004] It is generally desirable to control moisture / humidity levels in enclosed spaces. For example, car or vehicle headlights or headlight assemblies are typically sealed or enclosed. Excessive moisture buildup can impair the appearance and / or function of headlights. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is an adsorbent system that helps control humidity levels. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention is an adsorbent system comprising: a body having or defining a channel, the body being configured to be coupled to a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment, and a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment. The system further comprises an adsorbent material located in the channel, wherein the channel and the adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing from the first end through the channel to the second end can flow through the adsorbent material, and that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end can flow through a majority of the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid has flowed. The system further comprises a valve system disposed at the first end of the channel, or the valve system being adjacent to or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, an adsorbent system is provided, the adsorbent system comprising: a body having or defining a channel, the body being configured to connect to a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment, and a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment; and a particulate adsorbent material located in the channel, wherein the channel and the adsorbent material are configured such that an inlet fluid flowing from the first end through the channel to the second end can flow through a portion of the adsorbent material, and an outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end can flow directly through the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid flows. A majority portion of the aforementioned portion; a valve system disposed at a first end of the channel, or adjacent to, or in fluid communication with, the first end of the channel, wherein the valve system includes an inlet valve portion biased to a closed position to substantially prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently low relative to the pressure in the external environment, and wherein the valve system further includes an outlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently high relative to the pressure in the external environment.

[0007] According to another aspect of this application, an adsorbent system is provided, comprising: a body including an end closure, the body having or defining a channel, wherein the channel has a first end disposed at the end closure and a second end disposed at the end closure, the second end opposite to the first end, wherein the body is configured to connect to a humidity-controlled environment such that the first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment, and the second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment; and an adsorbent material located in the channel, wherein the channel and the adsorbent material are configured such that: an inlet fluid flowing from the first end through the channel to the second end can flow through a portion of the adsorbent material, and an outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end can flow directly through the portion through which the inlet fluid flows. The adsorbent material comprises a large portion thereof; and a valve system disposed in the end closure, the valve system being located at, adjacent to, or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with each end of the end closure; wherein the valve system includes an inlet valve portion biased to a closed position to substantially prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently low relative to the pressure in the external environment; and wherein the valve system further includes an outlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently high relative to the pressure in the external environment. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the adsorbent system of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 System decomposition diagram;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the adsorbent system of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Detailed exploded perspective view of the central valve system;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Side section view of the system;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of the system, shown in conjunction with a portion of the headlight assembly;

[0014] Figure 7 It is located near the vehicle's headlight assembly. Figure 1 A perspective view of the adsorbent system;

[0015] Figure 8 It shows the embedding into Figure 7 In the vehicle headlight assembly Figure 7 Adsorbent system. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Reference Figures 1-6 In one embodiment, the adsorbent system of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10, includes a body 12, the body 12 including an end closure 14 and a channel assembly 16 having a pair of channels 18 (in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the embodiments) and single channel 18 (in Figure 3 and Figure 6 (In the illustrated embodiment). Channel 18 and channel assembly 16 have: a first end 15 located at end closure 14, adjacent to or connected to end closure 14, and a second distal end 17 located at the opposite end of end closure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of end closure 14 and each channel 18 is typically rectangular, although these components may take various other shapes as needed.

[0017] System 10 may include a valve system 22 disposed in an end closure 14, and optionally include a cap 20 having a central opening 24 connected to the end closure 14 to retain and / or protect the valve system 22. Adsorbent material 26 may be disposed in and fill each channel 18, and may be employed as follows: Figure 5 and 6 The particles or beads shown can also be in the form of solid blocks or other forms.

[0018] Keep the sheet at 28 ( Figure 2 A retaining sheet 28 may be arranged at the first end 15 and the second end 17 of channel 18 to capture the adsorbent material 26 within channel 18. The retaining sheet 28 is typically permeable to air and / or fluids, and in some cases may be a fine mesh, a microporous nonwoven sheet, or other similar material with pore sizes smaller than the particle size of the adsorbent material 26. A protective sheet 30, permeable to water vapor (such as water vapor) but impermeable to liquids (such as liquid water), may be selectively arranged in the opening 24 of the cap 20 to prevent large amounts of liquid from entering system 10. Various gaskets, seals, etc. (including gasket 19, which will be described in more detail later) are arranged at joints and locations where various components are joined together or connected to external components.

[0019] refer to Figure 4 Valve system 22 may include a valve plate 32 having a pair of outer legs 34 and an outwardly extending central support 36. Valve plate 32 may have a pair of valve receiving openings 38 and a plurality of fluid transfer openings 40 spaced apart around each valve receiving opening 38. Valve system 22 may include a pair of valve assemblies 42, such as umbrella valve components 42 located on opposite sides of valve plate 32. Each umbrella valve component 42 may have a sealing shroud 44 and a valve stem 46 having a ball-shaped portion 48 at its distal end. Each valve stem 46 may pass through an associated valve receiving opening 38 on valve plate 32 to ensure that the umbrella valve assembly 42 is secured in place, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, the sealing cover 44 sealably engages the valve plate 32 along its periphery. The valve 42a may be in the form of an inlet valve or an inlet valve portion, while the valve 42b may be in the form of an outlet valve or an outlet valve portion, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.

[0020] When system 10 is assembled, the opening 24 of cap 20, the central cavity of end closure 14, and channel assembly 16 are all in fluid communication with each other via valve system 22. Furthermore, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, each channel 18 may be in fluid communication with each other in or through the end closure 14 (e.g., below the valve plate 32). Specifically, refer to... Figure 5 The central support 36 of the valve plate 32 may be shorter than the legs 34 and slightly spaced from the channel assembly 16 to define a gap between them (e.g., to hold the sheet 28 in place) to allow fluid communication between the channels 18. In this way, fluid can flow through the opening 24 of the cap 20, through the inlet valve 42a (when open), into the first end 15 of the two channels 18, and out of the second distal end of the two channels 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet valve 42a and the outlet valve 42b are arranged adjacent to each other and in direct fluid communication with each other (e.g., as described above, in one case located below the central support 36), and there is no direct arrangement of adsorbent material between the shortest path of fluid communication between the inlet valve 42a and the outlet valve 42b of the system 10. In other words, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The embodiment shown with two channels 18 can be considered functionally equivalent to Figure 3 and Figure 6 An embodiment with a single channel 18 can be used. Alternatively, a system with two or more channels 18 can be used.

[0021] Both inlet valve 42a and outlet valve 42b are naturally biased to their closed position by their shape and / or construction (or by other forces or components, such as springs, etc.), in which the fluid transfer opening 40 is typically closed / covered / sealed by the sealing shroud 44. When there is a sufficient pressure difference across inlet valve 42a (e.g., when the pressure in channel assembly 16 is sufficiently lower than the pressure in the external environment or the pressure in the end closure 14 on the opposite side of valve plate 32), the outer peripheral portion of the sealing shroud 44 of inlet valve 42a moves away from valve plate 32, moving inlet valve 42a to the open position and allowing fluid to flow through the associated fluid transfer opening 40. For ease of illustration, Figure 5 Valve 42a is shown as open.

[0022] Once the pressure difference is fully released, the inlet valve 42a will automatically return to its closed position, such as Figure 6 As shown. Similarly, outlet valve 42b will open when a sufficient pressure differential exists across it (e.g., when the fluid pressure within channel assembly 16 is sufficiently greater than the fluid pressure on the other side of valve plate 32, or sufficiently greater than the fluid pressure in the external environment). Once the pressure differential is fully released, outlet valve 42b will automatically return to its closed position. In one case, the opening or opening pressure of each valve 42a, 42b is approximately 0.1 mbar to approximately 50 mbar, and in another case, approximately 1 mbar to approximately 5 mbar. Of course, the opening pressures of 42a, 42b can be varied as needed to suit the desired application / end use.

[0023] Although the disclosed valves 42a and 42b are in the form of umbrella valves, it should be understood that almost any other type of valve or valve device, such as check valves, diaphragm valves, or other one-way valves, can be used. Furthermore, although valve system 22 is illustrated as having two one-way valves 42a and 42b that prevent / block flow in opposite directions, in embodiments, two-way valves that allow / block fluid flow can also be selected as needed.

[0024] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the adsorbent system 10 / channel 18 can be connected to the automotive or vehicle headlight assembly / headlamp assembly, designated 50, by any of a variety of methods or structures, such as welding, bonding, interference fit, or releasable accessories (e.g., interlocking latches). The headlight assembly 50 may include a cavity 52 or other environment where moisture / humidity is desired to be controlled. In one case, the channel 18 extends partially or entirely into the headlight assembly and is located within the cavity 52, as... Figure 8 As shown, where Figure 7 This is an exploded view showing the system 10 before the headlight assembly 50 is inserted. (See diagram below.) Figure 6As shown, when the channel 18 is fully inserted into the cavity 52, the end closure 14 engages with the outer wall of the headlight assembly 50, with a gasket 19 positioned between them to aid in forming a seal. The absorbent material 26 is in fluid communication with the cavity 52, thereby helping to control the moisture / humidity levels in the cavity 52 or other humidity-controlled environments.

[0025] In many cases, the headlight assembly 50 includes vents such that the cavity 52 is not completely closed / sealed. In this case, the system 10 / channel 18 / gasket 19 can be fluidly and / or hermetically coupled to the vents to help provide desired humidity control. If desired, the system 10 can be effectively fixed to only one or more vents of the headlight assembly 50 such that all air or other fluids entering or leaving the headlight assembly 50 pass through or are processed by the system 10, while the adsorbent system 10 acts as a vent for the headlight assembly, or as the only vent for the headlight assembly.

[0026] System 10 can be designed for use in the aftermarket or retrofit projects, to be coupled to and used in conjunction with the headlight assembly 50; that is, after the headlight assembly 50 has been manufactured and / or shipped and / or installed. However, in other cases, system 10 can be integrated into the headlight assembly 50 during manufacturing. In either embodiment, the channel assembly 16, channel 18, and / or absorbent material 26 can be wholly or partially housed within the chamber 52 to save space and reduce potential damage to those components. This configuration may require specific arrangement / design to fit the channel assembly 16 into the available space of the chamber 52.

[0027] It should also be understood that although component 10 is shown as being coupled to and used in conjunction with the vehicle headlight assembly 50, system 10 can be coupled to and used in virtually any environment where moisture / humidity levels need to be controlled. For example, in one case, system 10 can be used in conjunction with an electrical cabinet or electronic equipment enclosure whose humidity control helps prevent corrosion and / or short circuits of electronic components, and the periodic operation of the electronic components or other equipment can generate sufficient heat to cause air circulation and regeneration of the adsorbent material 26. Alternatively, if desired, a heat source can be provided and coupled to and / or arranged in and / or in fluid or thermal communication with body 12 or chamber 52 and / or with adsorbent material 26 and / or channel 18 to provide an active system 10 that allows the adsorbent material to be periodically regenerated, as will be described in more detail below.

[0028] Once the adsorbent system 10 is fluidly connected to the chamber 52 of the headlight assembly 50, or some other humidity-controlled environment, the system 10 can control the humidity level and remove unwanted moisture from the air / fluid in the chamber 52 / humidity-controlled environment. In particular, the adsorbent material 26 can absorb excess moisture from the air / fluid located in or in fluid communication with the chamber 52.

[0029] In many cases, the temperature and / or pressure inside chamber 52 will change periodically. For example, when the lamp 50 is running, the heat generated by the incandescent bulb, electric arc, LED, laser, etc., will cause the temperature inside chamber 52 to rise, thus increasing the pressure inside chamber 52. In this case, the incandescent bulb, electric arc, LED, laser, etc., act as heat sources. The increased pressure is then transmitted to valve plate 32 / valve assembly 22 through channel 18. A sufficiently high pressure relative to the ambient environment will cause outlet valve 42b to open and discharge air / fluid to maintain sufficient pressure balance. Conversely, when the pressure in chamber 52, channel assembly 16, and / or end closure 14 becomes too low relative to the ambient environment (e.g., when the lamp 50 is cooling and / or not operating due to other conditions), inlet valve 42a will open and allow ambient air / fluid to enter channel 18 until sufficient pressure balance is achieved.

[0030] In this way, valve system 22 helps maintain pressure balance at both ends, but limits the amount of fluid leaving and / or entering system 10, thereby minimizing or reducing the amount of fluid that needs to be processed by adsorbent material 26. This helps extend the life of system 10 and ensures that adsorbent material 26 can adequately absorb moisture. Additionally, the periodic use of headlight assembly 50 or other heat sources provides a natural heating and cooling cycle, which in turn causes thermal expansion and contraction of the air / fluid in system 10, allowing moisture to be regularly expelled. Furthermore, the periodic operation of headlight assembly 50 allows adsorbent material 26 to be at least partially regenerated due to the heat generated by the headlights.

[0031] Before reaching chamber 52, ambient or inlet air / fluid needs to flow through channel 18 via inlet valve 42a, and thus through adsorbent material 26 arranged in the channel. Specifically, in one case, system 10 may include a fluid path 56 extending in a straight or substantially straight line between a first end 15 and a second end 17 of channel 18. Figure 5 and Figure 6The inlet fluid flows along this fluid path, either toward or flowable around the adsorbent material 26 located in channel 18. Conversely, the outlet fluid flowing from the second end 17 to the first end 15 of channel 18 will also follow a path entirely or substantially along the entire fluid path 56. In other words, it is also required that the outlet fluid flows through (or is able to flow through) all and / or all or substantially all of the adsorbent material 26 that the inlet fluid has flowed through.

[0032] In one case, the inlet portion of fluid path 56 (also referred to as inlet fluid path 56a) can be considered as the shortest path between the inlet of channel 18 (e.g., via inlet valve 42a) and the outlet of channel 18 (e.g., at open end 17), and in another case, the outlet portion of fluid path 56 (also referred to as outlet fluid path 56b) can be considered as the shortest path between the inlet of channel 18 (e.g., at open end 17) and the outlet of channel 18 (e.g., via outlet valve 42b). In one case, inlet fluid path 56a and / or outlet fluid path 56b are both straight lines parallel or substantially parallel to each other (+ / -5 degrees in one case, + / -10 degrees in another case). Inlet fluid path 56a and / or outlet fluid path 56b can both be parallel or substantially parallel to the direction in which fluid enters and / or exits channel 18.

[0033] System 10 can be designed to force all inlet fluid to flow through adsorbent material 26 before entering chamber 52 to dry the incoming inlet fluid, and to force all outflow fluid at a relatively high temperature to flow through the same adsorbent material 26 to at least partially regenerate the adsorbent material 26 and carry some moisture out of chamber 52. In one case, outlet fluid flows through or is able to flow through most (e.g., at least 50% in one case) of the adsorbent material 26 through which the inlet fluid flows or is able to flow. In another embodiment, outlet fluid flows through or is able to flow through at least about 80% of the adsorbent material 26 through which the inlet fluid flows or is able to flow. When two or more channels 18 are used, the flow of fluid through adsorbent material 26 can involve the flow in all channels 18; since channels 18 are fluidly connected, channels 18 can be considered as a single channel for functional purposes.

[0034] The adsorbent material 26 can take any of a variety of forms. However, in one case, the adsorbent material 26 is in granular form of type B silica gel (also known as mesoporous silica gel), but other types of silica gel (including types A and C), zeolite, alumina, and other desiccants may also be used. However, in one case, type B silica gel may have an advantage because the adsorbent material 26 is exposed to a relatively low temperature during operation of the headlight assembly 50, due to the distance from the headlight assembly 50 and / or the relatively low headlight temperature (e.g., due to the increased use of LED lights compared to incandescent lamps). For example, in one case, it is contemplated that the adsorbent material 26 is exposed to a maximum temperature less than about 130°F, or in another embodiment, to a maximum temperature less than about 120°F.

[0035] In one case, the adsorbent material 26 is type B silica gel with an average pore size between approximately 4.5 nm and approximately 7 nm. The relatively large pore size and total pore volume of type B silica gel (at least compared to type A silica gel) allow it to adsorb less moisture at lower relative humidity, while exhibiting a higher maximum moisture adsorption capacity near the dew point (at least compared to type A silica gel). The characteristic of type B silica gel adsorbing less moisture at moderate relative humidity (e.g., 30% to 60% relative humidity in one case) allows for more efficient regeneration when the ambient temperature is moderately increased or the relative humidity is moderately decreased. The adsorption capacity of type B silica gel is ~10% w / w at 50% relative humidity and 25°C; and ~70% w / w at 90-99% relative humidity and 25°C. As the temperature of the surrounding fluid increases and the relative humidity decreases (for the same absolute water load in the air), water will leave the type B silica gel, thus at least partially regenerating the silica gel. This fluctuation in adsorption / regeneration is well utilized in the current system, and the properties of type B silica offer advantages within the expected operating temperature range of the headlamp assembly / headlight assembly.

[0036] It should be noted that the adsorbent material 26 described herein has particular advantages and can be used in almost all desiccant systems, including those used with headlight assemblies. In such cases, the desiccant system may include channel assembly 16, valve system 22, etc. However, as mentioned above, it may not be included in some other cases. For example, in some situations, adsorbent material 26 may not be used in conjunction with channel assembly 16 and / or valve system 22, etc. Furthermore, as mentioned above, system 10 can be used with a variety of components and under various conditions other than headlight assemblies.

[0037] Through the detailed description and enumeration of various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An adsorbent system, the adsorbent system comprising: A body having or defining a channel, the body being configured to connect to a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment, and a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment. A particulate adsorbent material is located in the channel, wherein the channel and the adsorbent material are configured such that an inlet fluid flowing from the first end through the channel to the second end can flow through a portion of the adsorbent material, and an outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end can flow directly through most of the portion of the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid flows; A valve system, wherein the valve system is disposed at the first end of the channel, or the valve system is adjacent to the first end of the channel, or the valve system is in fluid communication with the first end of the channel. The valve system includes an inlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently low relative to the pressure in the external environment. The valve system also includes an outlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently high relative to the pressure in the external environment.

2. The adsorbent system according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet valve section and the outlet valve section are laterally offset from each other.

3. The adsorbent system according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent system is configured such that the inlet fluid enters the adsorbent system at the same end as the outlet fluid exiting the adsorbent system.

4. The adsorbent system according to claim 1, wherein, The valve system is arranged such that inlet fluid entering the body from the external environment passes through the valve system before flowing through the adsorbent material, and outlet fluid leaving the body and reaching the external environment passes through the valve system before entering the external environment.

5. The adsorbent system according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent material is silica gel, zeolite, or bauxite.

6. The adsorbent system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The channel and adsorbent material are configured such that the outlet fluid can flow directly through at least about 80 percent of the portion of the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid flows.

7. The adsorbent system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle headlight assembly having a chamber defining the humidity-controlled environment, and wherein, The body is connected to the vehicle headlight assembly, such that the channel is in fluid communication with the chamber and also in selective fluid communication with the external environment.

8. The adsorbent system of claim 1, further comprising means having a chamber defining the humidity-controlled environment, and wherein, The body is connected to the device, such that the channel is in fluid communication with the chamber and also in selective fluid communication with the external environment.

9. The adsorbent system according to claim 8, wherein, The device includes a heat source for heating the chamber.

10. An adsorbent system, comprising: A body comprising an end closure, the body having or defining a channel, wherein the channel has a first end disposed at the end closure and a second end disposed at the end closure, the second end being opposite to the first end, wherein the body is configured to connect to a humidity-controlled environment such that the first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an external environment, and the second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment; An adsorbent material is located in the channel, wherein the channel and the adsorbent material are configured such that: an inlet fluid flowing from the first end through the channel to the second end can flow through a portion of the adsorbent material, and an outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end can flow directly through a large portion of the adsorbent material through which the inlet fluid flows; and A valve system is arranged in the end closure, the valve system is located at a first end of the channel, or the valve system is adjacent to the first end of the channel, or the valve system is in fluid communication with the first end of the channel, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with each end of the end closure; The valve system includes an inlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently low relative to the pressure in the external environment. The valve system also includes an outlet valve portion biased to a closed position to prevent fluid flow, and capable of moving to an open position when the pressure in the channel is sufficiently high relative to the pressure in the external environment.

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