Coolant Reservoir Integrated Filter System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant reservoir systems for internal combustion engines lack an integrated, simple, and cost-effective solution for removing particulate contaminants from the coolant, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and increased complexity and cost in existing filtering solutions.
Innovation Solution
A coolant reservoir with an integrated replaceable filter system, featuring a cup-like depression and a bypass passage, where the filter element is mounted within a central aperture and configured to filter coolant flowing between chambers, allowing particulates to be trapped and filtered, with a bypass option to prevent blockages and enable continued coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate coolant filter assembly is provided, then particulate contaminants can be removed from coolant, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is integrated directly into the coolant reservoir by mounting it within a central aperture formed in the reservoir bottom wall, combining the reservoir and filter into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate filter assemblies and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining contaminant removal functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant reservoir is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores surplus coolant, provides surge capacity for thermal expansion, and now also houses the filter element to remove particulate contaminants. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the cooling system
2Ease of repair
If a removable pleated cartridge assembly is used, then filter replacement is possible, but materials and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into a removable filter element that can be independently replaced. The filter element is mounted within the central aperture and can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire reservoir or filter assembly, simplifying maintenance while reducing construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily swapped out when contaminated. This disposable approach to the filter element simplifies its construction and reduces the need for complex, reusable mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a filter element is integrated into the reservoir, then manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced, but coolant flow must be constrained through the filter
Solution Approach 1:
A bypass passage is provided that allows coolant to dynamically switch between flowing through the filter element and flowing directly through the bypass. This dynamic flow path ensures adequate flow rate by allowing unfiltered coolant to pass through the bypass when the filter becomes restricted, while still maintaining the simple integrated design
4Ease of manufacture
If the filter element is mounted within a central aperture in the reservoir bottom wall, then the filter is integrated and easy to replace, but particulates accumulate in the cup-like depression
Solution Approach 1:
The cup-like depression formed by the mounting member allows particulates to be extracted from the coolant flow and collected in a separate space. Accumulated particulates can be drained from the reservoir through the cap opening, removing the harmful accumulation while maintaining the simple integrated filter design
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 integrated filter system effectively removes particulates, maintains coolant flow even when the filter becomes blocked, and allows for easy replacement and drainage of accumulated contaminants, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a replaceable filter element configured to mount into the central aperture of the mounting member and adapted to filter particulates from coolant passing through the cup-like depression
Data Source
AI summary
A simple, low cost, replaceable coolant filtering is integrated in a coolant reservoir bottle or reservoir tank of an internal engine liquid cooling system. The coolant filtering system intercepts coolant flowing between the engine cooling system and the coolant reservoir, removing particulates from the coolant by filtration, entrapping the removed particulates on the filter media as well as capturing larger particulates into a drainable cup-like depression provided within the coolant reservoir. Also a coolant bypass passage is operative to permit coolant to bypass the filter should the filter media become blocked with contaminants.