Self-Cleaning Disc Filter With Internal Flow Diverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cleaning disc filter systems require external controllers and multiple valves to manage flow, limiting their use to large-scale agricultural systems and wasting water during the cleaning process, as they rely on neighboring filtering devices for fluid sources and utilize downstream filtered water for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A standalone self-cleaning disc filter apparatus with an internal flow diverter allows for self-cleaning by diverting fluid through the filter housing, using upstream or external fluid sources, and can operate in both forward and reverse flow directions, eliminating the need for external valves and reducing water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If external controllers and multiple valves are used to manage flow for self-cleaning, then the filter can perform self-cleaning, but the device complexity increases and the system is limited to large-scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow control function into an internal mechanism within the filter housing, eliminating the need for external valves and controllers. The flow diverter is integrated directly into the filter assembly, merging the cleaning control function with the filtering function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining self-cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter apparatus uses its own filtered water output to perform self-cleaning through the integrated flow diverter, eliminating the need for external control systems. The system serves itself by using its own operational output (filtered water) to perform maintenance (cleaning), reducing both complexity and external dependencies.
2Loss of time
If downstream filtered water is used for cleaning in existing systems, then cleaning can be performed, but water is wasted during the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the flow diverter to allow upstream unfiltered water to perform the cleaning function, thereby recovering and utilizing water that would otherwise be wasted during the filtering process. This prevents the discarding of useful water resources and reduces overall water consumption during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using downstream filtered water for cleaning (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using upstream unfiltered water for cleaning through the flow diverter. This reversal eliminates water waste by using water at the source before it undergoes filtration.
3Loss of time
If neighboring filtering devices are required to provide fluid source for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the system loses independence and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the filter apparatus universally functional by enabling it to perform both filtering and self-cleaning operations independently using its own internal flow diverter and water source. The system becomes multi-functional, handling both primary filtration and maintenance cleaning without requiring neighboring devices, thereby increasing adaptability to various installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter apparatus becomes self-sufficient by using its own upstream water source and internal flow diverter for cleaning operations, eliminating dependency on neighboring filtering devices. The system serves its own maintenance needs, gaining independence and versatility for standalone installation in various scales of applications.
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 apparatus enables efficient self-cleaning of disc filter elements within a standalone system, reducing labor and water costs by utilizing internal fluid diversion and upstream fluid sources, making it suitable for smaller-scale applications and conserving water during the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a flow diverter internal to the filtering apparatus, such that the internal flow diverter provides the required second flow direction to allow for self-cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning disc filter apparatus for filtering a liquid, water, utilizing a plurality of stackable/de-stackable disc filter media within a filtering housing, the liquid flows through the housing in two flow directions, a first flow direction during a filtering phase and a second direction of flow during a self-cleaning phase; the filtering housing is fit with an internal fluid diverter that controls the direction of flow through the filter housing, the status of the filtering media, initiating filter media cleaning, therein the internal fluid diverter control the overall status of the filter apparatus, the internal fluid diverter is configured to change between filtering phase and self-cleaning phase with a single turn of the fluid diverter.