Filter Capsule Bottom Ports Uniform Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter capsule configurations face challenges such as increased space requirements, complex installation processes, and uneven temperature gradients due to top-mounted inlet ports, which limit orientation flexibility and hinder efficient heat transfer and sanitization processes, especially when combining loose particulate filters with membrane or cartridge filters.
Innovation Solution
A filter capsule design featuring ports oriented uniformly from the top, with a transfer tube directing incoming liquids or gases to the bottom for uniform heat distribution and a porous media boundary sheet to accommodate loose particulate media, allowing for a top-mounted outlet port and improved serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inlet and outlet ports are positioned at diametrically opposed locations at the top end of the capsule, then the capsule can accommodate filter media effectively, but the space required within the larger assembly increases and orientation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional port positioning by moving both inlet and outlet ports to the bottom end of the capsule rather than positioning them at diametrically opposed locations at the top end. This inversion allows the capsule to be oriented vertically with ports at the bottom, reducing the horizontal space required in the larger assembly while maintaining effective filter media accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal port arrangement at the top end to a vertical port arrangement at the bottom end, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows the capsule to be mounted in orientations that minimize the space required within the larger assembly while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If inlet and outlet ports are positioned at diametrically opposed locations at the top end of the capsule, then the capsule structure is simplified, but the effort needed to attach the capsule increases due to connections at two entirely different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both the inlet and outlet ports to the same location (bottom end) of the capsule, eliminating the need for connections at two entirely different locations. This consolidation reduces the attachment effort and simplifies the installation process while maintaining a relatively simple capsule structure.
3Device complexity
If inlet ports are located at the tops of the capsules, then the capsule configuration is simplified, but temperature uniformity deteriorates due to significant temperature gradients forming during sanitation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-mounted inlet port configuration by positioning the inlet port at the bottom end of the capsule. This inversion allows hot liquids to be introduced at the bottom and rise through the capsule, utilizing natural convection currents to distribute heat more uniformly throughout the capsule volume, thereby eliminating significant temperature gradients during sanitation processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If loose particulate filter media are used, then the filter can accommodate various contaminant types, but the outlet port location is limited to downstream or bottom end due to flow direction constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outlet port positioning by moving the outlet port to the top end of the capsule rather than positioning it at the downstream or bottom end. This is achieved by introducing fluid at the bottom inlet port, allowing the fluid to flow upward through the loose particulate media, and exiting at the top outlet port. This inversion enables outlet port location flexibility while maintaining effective contaminant removal capability.
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 design reduces space requirements, simplifies installation, and maintains a uniform temperature gradient, enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer and sanitization processes while enabling the combination of different filter types within tight spatial constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer tube to direct incoming liquids or gases to the bottom of the capsule to harness rising heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
a porous media boundary sheet to accommodate loose particulate media
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a capsule apparatus having a filter housing defining a filter chamber with a top cap having a plurality of ports extending substantially laterally from a top end of the top cap. The lateral and substantially uniform orientation of the ports facilitates connection to panel mount assemblies and improves filter maintenance processes. A transfer tube extending the length of the capsule allows the introduction of heated fluids from a top mounted inlet port to a bottom of the capsule chamber to allow or a substantially uniform heat gradient in the capsule filter chamber. A dispersion ring or dispersion plate may be secured to a distal end of the transfer tube to promote uniform dispersion of liquids and/or gases introduced into the capsule apparatus. An alternative shield secured in the housing defines a first chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and a second chamber wherein the two chambers are in fluid communication via an opening defined by a lower end of the shield and a bottom of the filter chamber. An alternative capsule apparatus has an outlet tube extending downwardly from a top mounted outlet port in fluid communication with an enclosed filter membrane secured below a column of loose filter media.