Filter Apparatus with Actuator-Controlled Bypass for Viscosity Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter systems for automatic transmissions and internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving high filtration efficiency and dirt holding capacity, particularly at varying temperatures, leading to increased complexity and cost when using multiple filters.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with an actuator-controlled bypass system that adjusts the flow through coarse and fine filtering media based on fluid viscosity and temperature, allowing high filtration efficiency at low temperatures and optimizing pressure drop at high temperatures, potentially eliminating the need for a pressure oil filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fine filter medium is used for high filtration efficiency, then filtration performance is improved, but pressure drop increases significantly at low temperatures when fluid is highly viscous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bypass valve that dynamically switches between bypass flow and filter flow based on fluid viscosity and temperature conditions. At low temperatures with high viscosity, the bypass valve opens to allow flow through the coarse filter medium, preventing excessive pressure drop. At high temperatures with low viscosity, the bypass valve closes to direct flow through the fine filter medium for high filtration efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between filtration efficiency and pressure drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is segmented into two parallel filtration paths: a coarse filter medium path and a fine filter medium path. The bypass valve segments the flow distribution between these paths based on operating conditions. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate filtration level for current temperature and viscosity conditions, preventing the need to use fine filter medium at all times which would cause excessive pressure drop at low temperatures.
2Stress or pressure
If a bypass with coarse filter medium is used to reduce pressure drop at low temperatures, then pressure drop is reduced, but filtration efficiency decreases for the portion of flow passing through the bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve dynamically controls the distribution of fluid flow between the coarse and fine filter medium paths based on temperature and viscosity conditions. At low temperatures, the valve opens to allow bypass flow through the coarse filter medium, maintaining low pressure drop. At high temperatures, the valve closes to direct all flow through the fine filter medium, ensuring high filtration efficiency. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting flow distribution to operating conditions.
3Reliability
If both suction oil filter and pressure oil filter are used to achieve high filtration performance, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of suction oil filter and pressure oil filter into a single integrated filter device. The device includes both coarse and fine filter media with a bypass valve that dynamically controls flow distribution. This combination achieves high filtration efficiency equivalent to having separate filters while reducing system complexity and cost. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate suction and pressure filters, resolving the contradiction between filtration performance and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single filter device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a suction filter and a pressure filter depending on operating conditions. The bypass valve enables the device to adapt its filtration mode based on temperature and viscosity, providing universal filtration coverage for both cold start conditions and normal operating conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated suction and pressure filters, reducing system complexity while maintaining high filtration efficiency.
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 filter device achieves high filtration performance with low pressure drop across the medium, extending service life and reducing the need for frequent filter changes, while allowing self-cleaning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator made of a temperature-sensitive material is preferred, which changes its geometry in a predetermined manner when a limit temperature is exceeded (e.g. memory metal)
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is held resiliently. By means of a spring-loaded mount, a pressing force is applied to the actuator, against which a force acts as a result of the volume flow of the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An oil filter comprises filtering medium (4) and a bypass for filtering medium. A valve is provided which influences the flow of liquid through the bypass depending on a pre-determined parameter of fluid. It is recommended that the valve be controlled depending on the viscosity of the liquid, on the differential pressure of the fluid on the filtering medium and/or on the temperature of the fluid.