Cyclic Flow Housing for Variable Filtration Bench Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration media test benches typically operate at constant fluid flow rates, which does not simulate real-world conditions where flow rates often vary, leading to a need for testing under variable flow conditions without the use of large and complex, cost-prohibitive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cyclic flow apparatus that can be installed in or retrofitted into existing liquid flow circuits to create varying flow rates by using a housing with a moveable sidewall and linear actuator, allowing for cyclic changes in fluid velocity through a filter media holder, enabling simulation of real-world operational environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant flow rate is used in the liquid flow circuit, then the test bench operation is simple and stable, but it does not simulate real-world conditions where flow rates vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a moveable sidewall (piston) that can change position within the housing to dynamically vary the internal volume. This mechanical dynamic element allows the flow rate to change cyclically without requiring a completely complex test bench redesign, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the internal volume parameter of the housing through the moveable sidewall. By changing the volume parameter cyclically, the flow rate parameter is automatically varied, enabling real-world flow condition simulation without adding significant complexity to the overall system
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing test benches are modified to cycle flow rate, then variable flow rate testing is achieved, but the equipment becomes large, complex, and cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the moveable sidewall and variable volume mechanism inside the existing housing structure. This nested configuration allows the flow rate variation functionality to be integrated within the existing test bench framework, avoiding the need for large external additions and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable sidewall acts as an intermediary element between the constant flow source and the filtration media. It mediates the flow rate by cyclically changing the internal volume, thereby transforming constant flow input into variable flow output without requiring complex external flow control systems
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 cyclic flow apparatus effectively simulates real-world flow conditions, providing a more accurate testing environment for filtration media by varying flow rates, thus enhancing the evaluation of filter performance without the need for expensive and complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is fixed to the moveable sidewall
Implementation Method 2
the piston forms a fluid seal with the housing across the first variable volume
Data Source
AI summary
The cyclic flow apparatuses consistent with the technology disclosed herein are configured to sealably couple to a liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flow apparatus is configured to change a flow velocity of a liquid through a filter media holder. In various embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus is configured to change the flow velocity of the liquid through a portion of the liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flow apparatus can be configured to cyclically change the flow velocity of the liquid in the liquid flow circuit through the filter media holder.