Air Filter Scavenging Shutter for Heavy Dust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter systems for heavy dust conditions in military and off-road vehicles face inefficiencies in scavenging particulate material from permeable filters without increasing the size of the scavenger blower, particularly due to the need to scavenge against gravity and larger scavenging areas.
Innovation Solution
A controllable scavenging shutter system with perforated sheets, positioned below the permeable filter, allows selective passage control to enhance scavenging efficiency by aligning perforations for optimal airflow and particulate collection, combined with a pulse jet back-flow flush system and a three-way valve for alternate scavenging of the precleaner and permeable filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a larger scavenging area is used to scavenge the permeable filter, then scavenging efficiency is improved, but the size of the scavenger blower must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or sections, each corresponding to a specific scavenging zone. This allows the system to activate only the necessary segments for current operating conditions, providing variable scavenging area without requiring a larger blower.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is made dynamically controllable through an actuation system that can adjust its position and opening degree in real-time. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize the scavenging area according to actual particle accumulation levels, maintaining high scavenging efficiency while using a compact blower.
2Productivity
If scavenging is performed against gravity to remove particles from the bottom of the filter housing, then particle removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a controlled airflow field that compensates for gravitational effects on particles. By generating sufficient upward airflow velocity through the adjustable shutter, particles are suspended and transported against gravity without requiring excessive energy, as the airflow is concentrated and directed rather than diffuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter operation is implemented in periodic cycles, alternating between open and closed positions. During the open phase, particles are removed; during the closed phase, the system allows natural settling or performs other functions. This periodic operation reduces average energy consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining effective particle removal capability.
3Productivity
If the shutter restricts passage to improve scavenging efficiency, then particulate material collection is enhanced, but airflow through the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to restrict airflow locally at specific zones where particle accumulation is detected, rather than uniformly across the entire system. This localized restriction maintains overall system airflow while concentrating scavenging effort where it is most needed, preserving both collection efficiency and airflow volume.
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 system efficiently scavenges particulate material from the permeable filter without increasing the scavenger blower size, ensuring extended operation and reduced plugging, while allowing for efficient scavenging of both the precleaner and permeable filter.
Implementation Method 1
The air suction source draws air from a collecting space located between the shutter and the wall of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a pulse jet back-flow flush system and a three-way valve for alternate scavenging of the precleaner and permeable filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an air filter [10] for heavy dust conditions, with an efficient scavenging system. The air filter [10] comprising: a housing [20] (Fig. 7), a permeable filter [28], and a scavenger system [30]. The scavenger system disposes of particles collected on the upstream surface of the permeable filter. The scavenger system comprising: an air suction source [24], and a shutter [32]. The shutter is positioned substantially along, typically below, the permeable filter [28], at a certain distance from a wall, typically the bottom wall [34], of the housing [20]. The air suction source draws air from a collecting space [36] located between the shutter [32] and the wall [34] of the housing [20]. According to the invention, the shutter is being selectively operated to permit or restrict passage there-through. The air suction source efficiently operates to scavenge particles from the collecting space [36] when the passage through the shutter is at least partially restricted.