Dual Filter Exhaust Gas Analyzer with Pulse Purge Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exhaust gas analyzing apparatuses require frequent filter replacement, which is hazardous and disrupts continuous measurement due to high-temperature environments and the need for manual intervention, making continuous operation challenging.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust gas analyzing apparatus with a dual filter system and pulse purge mechanism that automatically switches between filters and supplies purge gas in a pulsed manner to maintain continuous measurement without manual filter replacement, using sensors to detect clogging and manage filter switching and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single dust filter is used in the exhaust gas analyzing apparatus, then the structure is simple, but the filter needs frequent replacement which disrupts continuous measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter system structureVSAvoidcontinuous measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single filter is divided into multiple filters (first dust filter and second dust filter) arranged in parallel. The flow path switching mechanism allows exhaust gas to alternate between filters, enabling one filter to be cleaned while the other continues filtering, thus maintaining continuous measurement capability without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the dust filter is arranged in the test chamber near the engine, then the filter can be easily accessed for replacement, but the user must work in high-temperature environment which is dangerous and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement accessibilityVSAvoidhigh-temperature exposure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-maintenance through the pulse purge mechanism that automatically cleans filters by supplying purge gas in pulsed manner. The flow path switching mechanism automatically switches between filters when clogging is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention in high-temperature environments while maintaining filter functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual filter replacement is performed after engine cooling, then user safety is ensured, but it takes long time to start next measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safety during filter replacementVSAvoidtime to resume measurement after filter replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-filter system with automatic switching ensures continuous exhaust gas filtration and measurement. While one filter is being cleaned by the pulse purge mechanism, the other filter continues to filter exhaust gas, eliminating measurement interruptions and ensuring continuous operation without safety compromises

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If the dust filter is replaced frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational continuity is disrupted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas analysis accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pulse purge mechanism supplies purge gas in periodic pulsed manner to clean filters regularly. The flow path switching mechanism detects filter clogging and switches between filters periodically, ensuring filters are cleaned before they affect measurement accuracy while maintaining continuous exhaust gas analysis capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables continuous measurement of exhaust gas without suspending operations for filter replacement, efficiently managing filter clogging and maintenance while reducing the need for manual intervention in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

a pulse purge mechanism supplied the purge gas to the filter in a pulsed manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse purge: Pulse Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2667174B1Exhaust gas analyzing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 HORIBA LTD
  • EP2667174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2667174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2667174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention enables continuous measurement of engine exhaust gas while substantially eliminating the user's need to move a test chamber in which an engine is installed and replace a filter. According to the present invention, there are provided a first filter flow path 41 provided with a first filter 5, a second filter flow path 42 provided with a second filter 7, an exhaust gas analyzing part 3 for analyzing exhaust gas passing through the first filter 5 or the second filter 7, a flow path switching mechanism 9 for switching between the first filter flow path 41 and the second filter flow path 42, and a pulse purge mechanisms 10 for supplying purge gas to the filters 5, 7 in the filter flow paths 41, 42 in a pulsed manner, and in the case where a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the filter provided in one filter flow path in which the exhaust gas flows becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the one filter flow path is switched to the other filter flow path, and purge gas is supplied to the filter provided in the one filter flow path in the pulsed manner.