Dual Pleat Pack Filter with Adaptive Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration devices for engine oils and transmission fluids face challenges such as reduced fluid flow due to high viscosity at low temperatures, inadequate surface area within compact housings, and inefficient sealing methods, particularly when using single-type filtration media.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter apparatus with a pleat pack element featuring two types of filtration media of different densities, secured by a peripheral frame, and a flow control element that adjusts fluid flow based on temperature, pressure, and viscosity changes, using passive or semi-active flow control elements like flow-restriction plates or valves to optimize fluid flow through the media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of filtration media is used, then the filter structure is simple, but fluid flow is reduced when fluid is cold due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media is divided into multiple types with different filtration densities arranged in sequence. The first type has lower filtration density for cold, viscous fluid, while the second type has higher filtration density for warm fluid, allowing the filter to adapt to different operating conditions without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter media have different filtration densities tailored to specific fluid conditions. The first media type handles cold fluid flow requirements while the second media type handles warm fluid flow requirements, optimizing local filtration performance for each condition
2Volume of moving object
If a flat sheet of media is used, then the housing shape is compact, but the surface area of filtration media is less than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The flat sheet media is transformed into a pleated configuration with alternating folds. This curvature and folding increases the surface area of the media while maintaining a compact housing volume, allowing more filtration media to be packed into the same space
Solution Approach 2:
The media is folded into pleats that extend in multiple dimensions rather than remaining flat. This dimensional transformation increases the effective surface area within the constrained housing volume by utilizing vertical and lateral folding patterns
3Ease of manufacture
If filter media is crimped directly between upper and lower housings, then sealing is achieved, but the sealing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A composite sealing system is used where a peripheral frame provides structural support and positioning, while a separate sealing element made of compliant material provides the actual seal between the filter housing and mounting surface, combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials for improved sealing reliability
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 enhances fluid flow efficiency across varying temperatures and viscosities, ensuring effective filtration while maintaining a compact design and secure sealing, thereby addressing the limitations of single-media filters.
Implementation Method 1
A flow control element is disposed for changing the proportion of flow between the first media and the second media responsive to changes in at least one of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and/or viscosity of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filter apparatus comprising an upper housing shell; a lower housing shell; a pleat pack element comprising a peripheral frame and a folded pleated media. The frame is at least partially molded over the media to secure the media in the frame, and the media comprises two or more types of media of different densities from each other. A flow control element is disposed for changing the proportion of flow between the first media and the second media responsive to changes in at least one of temperature, pressure, flow rate and/or viscosity of the fluid.