Diesel Fuel Filter Unit with Internal Clogging Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter units for diesel engines face issues with clogging due to impurities, leading to increased size and cost, as well as complex installation and replacement, due to externally positioned clogging detection devices that measure pressure differences.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with a device that measures pressure differences between the filter inlet and outlet internally, using a cup-shaped body with a piston and spring mechanism connected to a sensor, allowing for reduced size and cost, and easy replacement by positioning sensors within the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the clogging detection device is positioned externally on the filter unit, then the device can measure pressure differences, but the overall size of the unit increases and installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging detection capabilityVSAvoidfilter unit size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clogging detection device is nested within the filter unit casing, with the measuring device positioned inside the filter housing and connected to external sensors. This allows the detection functionality to be integrated without increasing the overall external dimensions of the filter unit, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the clogging detection device is positioned externally, then pressure differences can be measured, but replacement of the device becomes complicated and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure difference measurementVSAvoiddevice replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is divided into modular components, with the clogging detection device designed as a separate, replaceable module that can be independently accessed and replaced without removing the entire filter unit from the engine. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance and replacement of the detection device while preserving the measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the filter head is made of metal alloy by casting with external conduits and seats, then the structure is robust, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter head structural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conduits and seats for housing the detection device are integrated directly into the filter head structure during the casting process, rather than being separate external components. This merging of functions into a single monolithic structure reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the required structural strength through proper casting design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 internal placement of the clogging detection device reduces the filter unit's size and cost, simplifies installation and replacement, and effectively monitors clogging without increasing overall dimensions or complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The device is sensitive to the difference in fuel pressure between the filter inlet and outlet, this pressure difference being a quantity significantly related to the degree of clogging of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference measurement: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

cup-shaped body with a piston and spring mechanism connected to a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1899596B1Fuel filter unit for diesel internal combustion engines
Publication Date: 2010.04.28 UFI FILTERS SPA
  • EP1899596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1899596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1899596B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For diesel internal combustion engines, an improved filter unit comprising a casing the interior of which is separated by a filtering baffle into two separate chambers to which a fuel inlet conduit and a fuel outlet conduit are connected respectively, with said unit there being associated a device for determining the degree of clogging of the filtering baffle; said device is located inside said casing and is positioned to be sensitive to the difference between the fuel pressure in said chambers.