Filter Assembly with Protruding Check Valves for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies do not effectively prevent fluid leakage and air ingress when filters are detached, leading to environmental issues and improper hydraulic system operation, as they fail to block flow upstream when detached.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with first and second valves that protrude from the filter base, which are mechanically biased to open or close positions based on the filter's attachment state, ensuring fluid flow is blocked when detached and allowed when attached, preventing leakage and maintaining system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filter is removably attached to a filter assembly located below the engine cavity, then easy replacement is achieved, but fluid leakage and air ingress occur when the filter is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating check valves that automatically close before fluid can leak or air can ingress when the filter is detached. The check valves are positioned to block fluid flow paths upstream and downstream of the filter assembly, preventing harmful effects before they occur during filter replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves serve as intermediary elements between the filter assembly and the fluid system. These valves mediate the fluid flow, allowing normal operation when the filter is attached while automatically preventing leakage and air ingress when the filter is removed, thus protecting system integrity during maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If only a downstream valve is provided in existing filter assemblies, then downstream flow is blocked when detached, but upstream leakage still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid control function by providing separate check valves for both upstream and downstream flow paths. Instead of relying on a single downstream valve, the system is divided into two independent valve mechanisms that each control one direction of potential fluid leakage, comprehensively addressing both upstream and downstream leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by placing check valves at specific locations where fluid leakage problems occur - both upstream of the filter assembly and downstream of the filter assembly. Each valve is positioned to address the specific leakage risk at its location, with the upstream valve preventing leakage into the filter base and the downstream valve preventing leakage from the filter base.
3Ease of operation
If filters are located below the engine cavity, then easy replacement is achieved, but environmental contamination occurs due to fluid drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The check valves provide preliminary anti-action by blocking fluid flow paths before drainage can occur when the filter is removed from a below-engine-cavity location. The valves close automatically upon filter detachment, preventing fluid from draining into the environment and causing contamination, while still allowing the filter to be easily accessible for 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 effectively blocks fluid flow both into and out of the filter base when the filter is detached, preventing environmental contamination and ensuring proper hydraulic system operation by mechanically controlling valve positions, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The filter element is configured to mechanically bias the first and second valves in an open position
Implementation Method 2
The filter base includes a spring configured to bias the first and second valves in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly is disclosed having a filter base including an inlet and an outlet. The filter assembly also has a first valve disposed in the inlet, the first valve including a portion that protrudes from the filter base. The filter assembly additionally has a second valve disposed in the outlet, the second valve including a portion that protrudes from the filter base. The filter assembly also has a removably attachable filter configured to mechanically bias the first and second valves in an open position.