Dual-Membrane Valve Arrangement for Dust Scavenging Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter systems for internal combustion engines face inefficiencies in scavenging particulate dust due to leakages and require improved methods for robust and reliable dust pre-separation, especially in heavy-duty applications like tractors and construction machines.
Innovation Solution
A multi-valve device with a first and second valve arranged in series, each with a housing segment and flexible membrane, connected to a valve control unit for independent activation, utilizing a solenoid valve for air supply, allowing for two working phases: collection and scavenging of particulate matter through inflatable and deflatable chambers, reducing leakage risks and enhancing dust pre-separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air filter systems use single-valve designs for dust scavenging, then the structure is simpler, but leakage risks increase and dust pre-separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is divided into two separate valves (first valve and second valve) arranged in series. The first valve controls the connection between the air filter system and the multi-valve device, while the second valve controls the connection between the multi-valve device and the exhaust system. This segmentation allows independent control of dust collection and scavenging phases, improving dust pre-separation efficiency while reducing leakage risks through coordinated valve operations.
2Reliability
If valves use rigid sealing structures, then sealing reliability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to pressure changes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve sealing mechanism uses a flexible membrane instead of rigid sealing structures. The membrane can deform elastically in response to pressure changes, maintaining reliable sealing while adapting to varying pressure conditions during dust collection and scavenging phases. This flexible sealing approach resolves the contradiction between sealing reliability and pressure adaptation flexibility.
3Productivity
If dust collection volume is increased, then dust pre-separation capacity is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic valve operations to achieve efficient dust pre-separation. During the dust collection phase, the first valve opens to allow dust-laden air into the collection volume while the second valve remains closed. During the scavenging phase, the valves switch positions to expel collected dust. This periodic action maximizes dust pre-separation capacity within a compact collection volume by efficiently utilizing space through time-based control rather than requiring continuously large volume.
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 multi-valve device effectively collects and scavenges particulate dust with reduced leakage risks, improving dust pre-separation efficiency and compatibility with two-stage turbo-charged engines, while being robust and adaptable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
In each valve the flexible membrane is configured to close or open the fluid path through the valve
Implementation Method 2
The first valve and the second valve are configured to be connectable to a valve control unit for activating the flexible membranes independently from each other, utilizing a solenoid valve for air supply
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-valve device (10) for scavenging particulate matter (46), in particular dust, from a filter system (100), in particular an air filter system (100), comprising at least a first valve (12) and a second valve (22) arranged in series along a fluid path (32), to establish a collection volume (30) for the particulate matter (46). In each valve (12, 22) a flexible membrane (16, 26) is configured to close or open the fluid path (32) through the valve (12, 22). The first valve (12) and the second valve (22) are configured to be connectable to a valve control unit (34) for activating the flexible membranes (16, 26) independently from each other. The invention further relates to a valve arrangement (80) and a method for scavenging particulate matter (46) from an air filter system (100).