Continuous Filter Cloth Filtration With Rotating Wheels for Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtration technologies face challenges in providing energy-efficient, clean, and efficient filtration with reduced friction losses, improved sealing, and enhanced cleaning of filter cloths, particularly when dealing with polluted water sources.

Innovation Solution

A filtration arrangement featuring two rotatable wheels that engage with a continuous filtering element to eliminate friction, a fluid ejecting device to induce vibrations in the filter cloth, and a design that ensures tight sealing and efficient particle removal, utilizing a three-dimensional wire cloth with varying fluid streams to enhance cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a continuous filtering element moves along a path into and out from the filtration vessel, then filtration can be performed continuously, but friction losses occur between the filtering element and stationary components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous filtrationVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filtering element with the carrier belt into a single integrated continuous structure that moves together as one unit. This merging eliminates relative motion between the filter cloth and carrier, reducing friction losses while maintaining continuous filtration capability through the coordinated movement of the integrated structure along the defined path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic movement of the filtering element assembly along a defined path that includes positions inside and outside the filtration vessel. The system transitions from static filtration to dynamic continuous filtration, where the filtering element is moved into engagement with the liquid flow and then retracted, enabling continuous operation while controlling friction through timed engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If wheels are used to support and move the filtering element, then continuous filtration is enabled, but sealing between the filtering element and filtration vessel becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous filtrationVSAvoidsealing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible filter cloth as the filtering element that can conform to the contours of the filtration vessel and sealing surfaces. This flexible thin film structure enables effective sealing between the moving filtering element and the stationary filtration vessel through elastic deformation and conformal contact, while still allowing continuous movement for uninterrupted filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the filter cloth material, particularly its elastic properties and dimensional stability, to achieve sealing. The filter cloth is selected and designed to maintain appropriate tension, flexibility, and dimensional characteristics that enable reliable sealing contact with the filtration vessel during the continuous filtration cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a filter cloth is used for particle removal, then filtration is achieved, but cleaning of the filter cloth becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removalVSAvoidcleaning of filter cloth
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary cleaning actions during the filtration cycle by designing the system to facilitate easy access and removal of the filter cloth. The filter cloth is configured to be readily detachable from the filtration vessel, allowing for quick cleaning or replacement before the next filtration cycle begins, thus reducing downtime and maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the filter cloth cleaning function from the filtration function by designing the filter cloth as a removable component. This extraction of the filter cloth from the fixed filtration structure allows it to be easily taken out for cleaning or replacement without disturbing the filtration vessel or other filtration components, significantly simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the filtering element is stationary, then sealing is easier to maintain, but continuous filtration with high productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidcontinuous filtration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a stationary filtering element to a dynamic system where the filtering element moves along a defined path. This dynamic configuration enables continuous filtration by repeatedly engaging and disengaging the filtering element with the liquid flow, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining effective sealing through controlled engagement positions and flexible contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous filtration by ensuring the filtering element is constantly in motion along its path, with no idle periods. The filtering element is continuously engaged with the liquid flow during the filtration phase and continuously moved to the discharge position, eliminating downtime and maintaining uninterrupted filtration action, thereby maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 achieves energy-efficient filtration with reduced friction losses, improved sealing, and enhanced cleaning efficiency, ensuring high-quality filtrated liquid while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining filtration performance.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid ejecting device to induce vibrations in the filter cloth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4363078B1Filtration arrangements and filtration apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 RENASYS AS
  • EP4363078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4363078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4363078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filtration arrangement (12) for a filtration apparatus (10) for filtrating liquid (20), the filtration arrangement (12) comprising a filtration vessel (14); a continuous filtering element (16) for removing particles from liquid (20) passing therethrough, the filtering element (16) being arranged to move along a path (26) into the filtration vessel (14) and out from the filtration vessel (14); and two wheels (18a, 18b) sealingly engaging the filtering element (16) on opposite sides thereof inside the filtration vessel (14), where each of the two wheels (18a, 18b) is rotatable relative to the filtration vessel (14) along with movement of the filtering element (16). A filtration arrangement (12) comprising a fluid ejecting device (36), and a filtration apparatus (10) are also provided.