Cooling Circuit Filter Insert With Conical End for Low Pressure Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filtration devices for cooling circuits are bulky, difficult to integrate, and costly to maintain, leading to pressure losses and potential engine damage due to particle accumulation, with existing particle filters causing flow disturbances and requiring complex welding and frequent replacement.

Innovation Solution

A removable filtration device with a conical or frustoconical bottom wall that converges towards the longitudinal axis, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly, reducing pressure losses by guiding cooling fluid flow and allowing for efficient particle filtration without the need for complex welding or frequent replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a particulate filter is integrated into the cooling circuit, then particle filtration is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle filtrationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is nested within the housing structure, with the filter media integrated into the housing walls. The collection chamber is formed by the convergence of the bottom wall toward the longitudinal axis, creating a nested configuration where the filtration function is embedded within the structural framework rather than being a separate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter element, guides coolant flow through its conical bottom wall, collects particles in its chamber, and facilitates removable mounting through the opening at the first longitudinal end. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

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

2Strength

If welding is used to attach the filter to the fitting, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process (thermal/mechanical system) is replaced with a removable mechanical mounting system. The filter element is mounted in the housing through a simple opening at the first longitudinal end, allowing for tool-free installation and removal without requiring welding equipment or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a funnel configuration is used at the second end of the filter, then particle collection is improved, but pressure losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collectionVSAvoidpressure losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom wall is designed with a conical curvature that converges smoothly toward the longitudinal axis, creating a streamlined flow path. This curved geometry guides coolant flow more efficiently compared to sharp funnel configurations, reducing flow separation and turbulence while still enabling effective particle collection at the convergent region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If the filter is permanently attached in the connection, then connection strength is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable configuration. The filter element can be easily inserted and removed through the opening at the first longitudinal end, allowing for maintenance and replacement without dismantling the entire cooling circuit, while still providing a secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 filtration device ensures easy installation and maintenance of the filter, reduces pressure losses in the cooling circuit, and prevents engine damage by effectively filtering particles while minimizing flow disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

the bottom wall of the second end of the filter converges towards the longitudinal axis and towards the first longitudinal end... makes it possible to guide the cooling fluid flowing in the filter towards the filter cloth and thus to promote its flow in the cooling circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow guidance through conical geometry:

Implementation Method 2

this filter comprising a filter cloth extending around and along a longitudinal axis of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4483982A1Filter device, in particular for a cooling circuit
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 HUTCHINSON SA
  • EP4483982A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4483982A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4483982A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a filtration device (22) comprising: - a tubular fitting (24) having at least one inlet (30) of cooling fluid and at least one outlet (32), - a particle filter (26) mounted in said fitting (24) and extending in the fitting (24) from said inlet (30), this filter (24) having a generally elongated shape and having a first open longitudinal end (36) located on the side of said inlet (30) and a second closed longitudinal end (38) located inside the fitting (24), this filter (26) having a filter cloth (44) extending around and along a longitudinal axis (X) of the filter (26), and an overmolded body (46), the filter (26) being removably mounted in said fitting (24) and in said second end (38) having a bottom wall which converges towards the longitudinal axis (X) and towards said first longitudinal end (36).