Bypass Filter Valve for Continuous Viscous Product Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters for liquid or viscous products in distribution circuits are either costly or prone to pollution due to complex designs and retention zones, making filter element changes cumbersome and risky.

Innovation Solution

A simplified filter design with a valve that can switch between two positions, allowing for a bypass circuit to ensure continuous service during filter element replacement, reducing the number of parts and avoiding complex retention zones, and incorporating features like air inlet ports and manual control for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bypass circuit uses two filter housings and four valves, then service continuity is ensured during filter element change, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnumber of filter housings and valves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter housing is segmented into a fixed part and a removable part, allowing the filter element to be accessed by removing only the necessary section rather than requiring complete disassembly or multiple housings. This segmentation enables maintenance access while maintaining system integrity and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is extracted as a removable cartridge that can be independently accessed and replaced. The removable part of the housing allows the filter element to be taken out for replacement without affecting the main housing structure, eliminating the need for multiple valves and complex bypass mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a bypass circuit uses a simple hose without filter housings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of pollution increases due to liquid product deterioration in the hose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpollution risk from product deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass circuit is prepared in advance with proper housing structures and sealing mechanisms. The removable part allows for pre-configured bypass paths with appropriate filtration and sealing, preventing product deterioration before it occurs rather than relying on simple hoses that lack protective features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The removable housing part acts as an intermediary structure between the inlet and outlet pipes, providing a controlled environment for the bypass circuit. This intermediary structure includes proper sealing and filtration features that prevent direct contact between the liquid product and deteriorating hose materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the valve rotates 90° to switch positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the pivot mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve switching simplicityVSAvoidpivot mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex multi-position valve with pivot mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple removable housing design. The bypass is activated not by moving a complex valve mechanism but by simply removing or positioning a housing part, thereby achieving ease of operation while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Facilitates economical and straightforward filter element changes without disrupting service, ensuring continuity and minimizing the risk of pollution by maintaining product quality through the bypass mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a valve (20) integrated in a head (22), the valve (20) being able to selectively take two positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve positioning: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a cup (12) defining a reception volume (V12) receiving a filtering element (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

At least one ball valve has a groove to place the receiving volume in communication with one air inlet orifice when the valve is in its second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall valve groove mechanism: Ball

Data Source

PatentEP3689435B1Filter for a liquid or viscous product and spraying facility comprising such a filter

Publication Date: 2021.10.06 EXEL INDUSTRIES

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AI summary

This filter for liquid or viscous products includes a filter element (14) and a cup (12) defining a receiving volume (V12) that accommodates the filter element (14). The filter (10) includes a liquid or viscous product inlet pipe and a liquid or viscous product outlet pipe (18). The filter (10) includes a valve (20) configured to assume a first position, where the valve (20) connects the inlet pipe to the receiving volume (V12) and this receiving volume (V12) to the outlet pipe (18), and a second position, where the valve (20) connects the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe (18) and isolates the receiving volume (V12) from the two pipes.