3D Filter Devices With Collapsible Microstructure Rows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices are inefficient in removing particulate matter from fluids due to limitations in design and functionality, particularly in handling varying particle sizes and configurations, and lack a practical mechanism for easy cleaning and expansion.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional filter device comprising a substrate with microstructure filter members arranged in v-shaped grooves, allowing for efficient particulate removal and featuring a collapsible and expandable configuration using resilient spacers, enabling effective filtration and cleaning by varying channel configurations and material attraction methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing filter devices are used, then filtration function is provided, but filtration efficiency is insufficient and cannot handle varying particle sizes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidhandling varying particle sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device is divided into multiple filter elements arranged in series, each with progressively smaller pore sizes. This segmentation allows the device to handle varying particle sizes effectively, with larger particles captured by earlier elements and smaller particles captured by subsequent elements, thereby improving both filtration efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the filter device have different pore sizes and filtration characteristics. The filter elements are designed with varying local properties to address different particle size ranges, allowing the system to maintain high filtration efficiency across a broad spectrum of particle sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional filter structures are used, then filtration is achieved, but cleaning and maintenance are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device consists of modular filter elements that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation enables simple cleaning and maintenance operations, as individual elements can be accessed and cleaned without disassembling the entire device, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining effective filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter elements are designed to be self-cleaning or easily replaceable by the user. The modular structure allows operators to perform maintenance tasks themselves without requiring specialized service, reducing downtime and improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If filter devices are designed for compact filtration, then filtration capacity is achieved, but expansion for cleaning is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device incorporates expandable and collapsible structures that allow it to transition between a compact filtration configuration and an expanded cleaning configuration. During filtration, the device maintains a compact form for high productivity, while during cleaning, it can expand to provide accessible surfaces for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If microstructure filter members are used, then particulate removal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate removal efficiencyVSAvoidmicrostructure configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex microstructure filtration function is segmented into multiple simpler filter elements, each handling a specific particle size range. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual elements while maintaining high particulate removal efficiency through the cumulative effect of the series arrangement.

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

The solution provides enhanced filtration efficiency by removing particulate matter through microstructure filter members and allows for easy cleaning and configuration changes, improving the overall performance and maintenance of filter devices.

Implementation Method 1

microstructure filter members that remove particulate matter from a fluid flowing across or through the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

resilient spacers that allow the substrates to be collapsed into a filtering configuration and expanded to a cleaning configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10758849B2Three dimensional filter devices and apparatuses

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 IMAGINE TF

AI summary

Three dimensional filter devices and devices are provided herein. An example substrate includes a primary inlet boundary and a primary outlet boundary, as well as a plurality of filter rows that include microstructure filter members that remove particulate matter from a fluid flowing across or through the substrate; the fluid entering through the inlet boundary and exiting through the outlet boundary. Each of the microstructure filter members includes a secondary inlet channel and a secondary outlet channel that couple to adjacent microstructure filter members.