Auxiliary Fluid Filter Debris Management via Valve Reversal

Solution Overview

Problem

Auxiliary fluid flow systems in applications like lubrication systems require separate filters to capture debris, increasing system size, weight, cost, and maintenance needs, as they cannot be effectively integrated with main systems for debris management.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow system with a valve and debris filter media that allows for selective isolation and self-flushing of the auxiliary system, using a shuttle or dual valve configuration to direct lubricant flow across the filter media, ensuring debris is collected by the main system's filter, reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate filter is installed in the auxiliary lubrication system, then debris can be captured in the auxiliary system, but the system size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auxiliary system filter function with the main system filter by positioning the filter media in the valve passage. When the auxiliary system is isolated, debris is captured by the filter media. When the auxiliary system connects to the main system, the same filter media serves both systems, eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter media in the valve passage serves multiple functions: filtering debris when the auxiliary system is isolated, and serving as part of the main system filter when the auxiliary system connects. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of filters needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate filter is installed in the auxiliary lubrication system, then debris can be captured in the auxiliary system, but the system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auxiliary system filter function with the main system filter by positioning the filter media in the valve passage. When the auxiliary system is isolated, debris is captured by the filter media. When the auxiliary system connects to the main system, the same filter media serves both systems, eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate filter is installed in the auxiliary lubrication system, then debris can be captured in the auxiliary system, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auxiliary system filter function with the main system filter by positioning the filter media in the valve passage. When the auxiliary system is isolated, debris is captured by the filter media. When the auxiliary system connects to the main system, the same filter media serves both systems, eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a separate filter is installed in the auxiliary lubrication system, then debris can be captured in the auxiliary system, but additional maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auxiliary system filter function with the main system filter by positioning the filter media in the valve passage. When the auxiliary system is isolated, debris is captured by the filter media. When the auxiliary system connects to the main system, the same filter media serves both systems, eliminating the need for separate filter maintenance for the auxiliary system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables efficient debris management by allowing the auxiliary system to be self-flushing, reducing the need for frequent filter cleaning or replacement and minimizing maintenance, while maintaining system integrity and performance.

Implementation Method 1

debris filter media disposed within the valve passage between the auxiliary fluid supply passage and the auxiliary fluid system passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a valve disposed in the valve passage, wherein the valve operable to be placed into: a first position in which fluid flowing in the auxiliary fluid supply passage is not permitted to flow to the main fluid system passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS9840966B2Auxiliaryy fluid flow system debris filter

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 RTX CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid flow system having a debris filter media therein to remove debris from a fluid flowing therein. A valve is provided to periodically change the flow direction of fluid within the system so that debris trapped on the debris filter media is scrubbed off by the flow of fluid across a face of the debris filter media.