Disposable In-Tank Filter Assembly with Bypass Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-tank filter assemblies for industrial fluid reservoirs are costly, heavy, and complex, with a need for reduced space and weight while maintaining effective filtration and bypass functionality.
Innovation Solution
A disposable in-tank filter assembly with a bowl-less design featuring a filter assembly mount, hex-shaped coupling, elevated bypass structure, and inside-out flow configuration, utilizing a disposable filter element with top and bottom end caps and filter media, which simplifies tank design and allows for easy replacement without reattaching inlet connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filter assemblies with molded filter bowls and integrated housings are used, then filtration reliability is maintained, but cost, weight, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into separate components: a reusable filter holder assembly and a disposable filter element. The holder contains the bypass structure and mounting features, while the filter element contains the filter media sealed between end caps. This segmentation allows the complex bypass mechanism to be reused while only the consumable filter media is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component with filter media sealed between end caps. After the filter media becomes contaminated, the entire filter element is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need to service or clean the expensive filter holder assembly with its integrated bypass structure.
2Reliability
If complete filter housing assemblies with integrated bowls are used, then filtration functionality is ensured, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into a permanent holder assembly and a removable filter element. The holder contains only the structural components and bypass mechanism, while the filter media is contained in a separate lightweight element that is replaced periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element with end caps and filter media is designed as a disposable lightweight component. Once the filter media is contaminated, the entire element is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need to handle or dispose of heavy integrated housing assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If top-mounted filter elements are used, then filter replacement is simplified, but the risk of contaminants entering the tank during bypass operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass structure is positioned in the vertical dimension above the filter element mounting location. The bypass inlet is located above the filter element, creating an elevated flow path that physically separates bypass flow from the filter element interior space, preventing contaminant ingress during bypass operation.
4Reliability
If filter assemblies require reattaching inlet connections during replacement, then sealing integrity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a permanent holder with integrated inlet connections and a removable filter element. The inlet connections are permanently attached to the holder assembly, eliminating the need to disconnect or reattach them during filter element replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet connections are pre-attached to the filter holder assembly during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures sealing integrity is built into the structure, eliminating the need for operators to perform connection and sealing operations during filter element replacement.
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 solution reduces the cost and weight of in-tank filter assemblies while maintaining effective filtration and bypass functionality, simplifying tank design and facilitating easy filter element replacement without reattaching inlet connections, thus addressing the need for a more efficient and cost-effective filtration system.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass structure configured to selectively open allowing flow to flow around the filter element into the tank in bypass operation
Implementation Method 2
a disposable filter element including at least a top end cap and a bottom end cap with filter media extending between the top end cap and a lower end cap
Data Source
AI summary
An in-tank filter assembly for an industrial fluid reservoir tank includes a filter assembly mount with tank coupling elements to secure the assembly mount to a tank, and wherein the mount includes an inlet connection configured to be coupled to the an inlet line of the tank; a bypass structure configured to selectively open allowing flow to flow around the filter element into the tank in bypass operation; and a disposable filter element including at least a top end cap and a bottom end cap with filter media extending between the top end cap and a lower end cap, wherein the filter assembly forms a bowl-less in tank return line filter having inside-out flow.