Dynamic Filter Module for Fine Particle Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration technologies face challenges in effectively capturing very fine particles, such as micro-plastic particles, due to their sluggish behavior in air or fluids, which results in inadequate collision and adhesion with filter fibers, leading to inefficient filtration across all particle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A filter module system that deforms an open-pored medium within a housing, creating a sinusoidal movement of the substance mixture, enhancing the probability of contact between particles and the filter medium, thereby improving filtration efficiency through the use of a deformation unit that periodically changes the geometry and porosity of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration methods are used, then the filter structure is simple, but the filtration efficiency for fine particles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its geometry and porosity. A deformation unit periodically deforms the filter medium along the flow direction, creating dynamic pore structures that enhance particle capture efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation unit applies periodic deformation to the filter medium, creating oscillating flow patterns that increase particle-medium contact probability. This periodic action allows the same filter structure to achieve enhanced filtration efficiency without requiring complex multi-component systems
2Productivity
If the filter medium is made more porous to allow flow, then the fluid flow is improved, but the particle capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium's porosity is made dynamic rather than static. During deformation, the porosity varies in space and time, creating regions of high porosity for flow and regions of low porosity for particle capture, thus resolving the trade-off between flow rate and capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation unit creates preliminary flow patterns that guide particles toward the filter medium before the main filtration action occurs, increasing contact probability without requiring the medium to be less porous
3Reliability
If the filter medium is deformed to increase particle contact, then the particle capture efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Periodic deformation creates flow patterns that enhance particle capture without requiring continuous high-energy input. The oscillating motion leverages inertial effects and flow recirculation to maintain high contact probability at lower average energy consumption compared to continuous high-velocity flow
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation-induced flow patterns create self-enhancing particle-medium interactions where the flow itself facilitates particle capture without requiring additional energy input for active particle manipulation
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
This approach allows for reliable and efficient filtration of particles in various applications, including the removal of micro-plastic particles from oceans, by ensuring high contact probability and effective adhesion, maintaining equilibrium and long-term filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
deforming an open-pore medium in a housing or within a wall by means of a relative movement with respect to a deformation unit, in particular periodically, and thereby generating a movement of the substance mixture to be filtered through the open-pore medium
Implementation Method 2
Filtering the smallest particles is problematic because they behave in air or other media with a sluggishness similar to that of a steel ball in honey – even at the lowest flow velocities, they lack sufficient inertia to collide with and adhere to a filter fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter module (10) for binding particles from a particle-laden material mixture, in particular from an aerosol or from a particle-laden fluid. The invention is based on the approach of deforming an open-pored medium (2), in particular periodically, by means of a relative motion relative to a deformation unit (4, 6; 13, 14) and in this way producing a motion of the material mixture to be filtered through the open-pored medium (2), whereby the material mixture is filtered by the open-pored medium (2). According to a first embodiment concept of the invention, a cylindrical open-pored medium (2) is introduced, together with a deformation unit (4, 6), into a cylindrical housing (1) and said open-pored medium can be deformed geometrically, in particular periodically, preferably at least along the cylinder axis of the housing (1) and/or in the radial direction, by means of the deformation unit (4, 6). According to a second embodiment concept of the invention, a plurality of filter elements (11) are arranged adjacent to each other with respect to the longitudinal extent thereof and are deformed with respect to the longitudinal extent thereof periodically, preferably in an undulating manner, in particular substantially sinusoidally, wherein the deformation motions of the filter elements (11) are phase-shifted with respect to each other.