Apparatus for separating extraneous particles of a fluid in a hydraulic circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic circuit apparatuses for separating extraneous particles, such as dirt separators and deaerators, face installation challenges due to their large size and configuration, making them unsuitable for systems with limited space, and they often result in high pressure drops and frequent cleaning requirements.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus with a tubular configuration and deflecting flaps within the conduit creates turbulent fluid motion to separate and collect particles, allowing for efficient removal of both solid and gaseous impurities with minimal pressure drops and easy installation in constrained spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional dirt separators and deaerators are used, then effective particle separation is achieved, but the apparatus size becomes large and installation space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation effectivenessVSAvoidapparatus volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both the dirt separator function and deaerator function into a single unified apparatus. The collecting chamber serves dual purposes: collecting solid particles that settle at the bottom and capturing gaseous bubbles that rise to the top. This nesting of multiple separation functions within one apparatus structure reduces the overall volume compared to using separate dirt separator and deaerator units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: separating solid particles from fluid and removing gaseous bubbles from the fluid. The single collecting chamber handles both types of impurities, making the apparatus universal in its separation capabilities and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If traditional large chamber apparatuses are used, then particle collection capacity is sufficient, but cleaning frequency increases and maintenance becomes frequent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection capacityVSAvoidcleaning frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an automatic purging mechanism that uses the hydraulic circuit's own fluid flow to periodically clear the collecting chamber. The purging conduit allows fluid under pressure to flush accumulated particles and bubbles out of the chamber, enabling the apparatus to self-clean without manual intervention. This reduces cleaning frequency and maintenance requirements while maintaining adequate collection capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If compact tubular configuration is used, then installation space is reduced, but pressure drop may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed as a tubular structure with segmented functional zones: an inlet section, a collecting chamber section with deflecting flaps, and an outlet section. The deflecting flaps are arranged to create localized turbulence only where needed for particle-bubble collision, rather than throughout the entire flow path. This segmented approach minimizes overall pressure drop while achieving effective separation in a compact volume.

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 apparatus effectively separates and discharges solid and gaseous impurities with minimal pressure drops and reduced cleaning frequencies, ensuring efficient operation in space-constrained hydraulic systems while maintaining low costs.

Implementation Method 1

A compact apparatus with a tubular configuration and deflecting flaps within the conduit creates turbulent fluid motion to separate and collect particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

The narrowed portion 19A of the chamber 19 promotes the collecting of the particles to be removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow concentration:

Data Source

PatentEP3368180B1Apparatus for separating extraneous particles of a fluid in a hydraulic circuit
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 CALEFFI
  • EP3368180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3368180B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3368180B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An apparatus (10) for separating extraneous particles of a fluid in a hydraulic circuit provides a body (11) wherein a conduit (16) is formed and a collecting chamber (19) communicating with the conduit (16); at the ends of the conduit (16) connecting elements (17, 18) are provided for connecting the conduit (16) to the hydraulic circuit; in the conduit (16) at least one deflecting element (20) is provided that is arranged along the periphery of the conduit (16) near the collecting chamber (19) and which creates a turbulence in the motion of the fluid to direct particles in the fluid to the collecting chamber (19). This apparatus is easy to install, compact, low-cost and highly efficient with minimal pressure drops.