Filtering Medium Cleaning Apparatus for Internal Combustion Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face reduced air flow due to clogged filtering media, leading to frequent and costly replacements of filters, especially in heavy use scenarios, as existing cleaning methods require filter removal and are not effective for fine contaminants like dust particles.
Innovation Solution
An in situ filtering medium cleaning apparatus that uses a housing with a conduit and nozzles to direct pressurized fluid onto the filtering medium, dislodging contaminants into a collection chamber without removing the filter from its operating environment, and a method involving a prefilter apparatus upstream of the main filter to preclean air before it reaches the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from filtering media, then filter replacement frequency is reduced, but the filter must be removed from its operating environment and the method is not effective for fine contaminants like dust particles
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering medium performs self-cleaning by utilizing the kinetic energy of the filtered air flow passing through it. The air flow automatically dislodges and removes accumulated contaminants without external intervention, making the system self-maintaining while operating in its installed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism utilizes the dynamic air flow characteristics varying at different positions within the filtering medium. By strategically positioning outlets at locations with higher air flow velocities, the system dynamically optimizes contaminant removal efficiency throughout the filter structure.
2Loss of substance
If filter replacement frequency is reduced through cleaning, then cost is reduced, but air flow is reduced due to clogged filtering media
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action continuously during filter operation by extracting contaminants at multiple positions within the filtering medium. This prevents complete clogging and maintains air flow pathways open, reducing the frequency of filter replacements while sustaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering medium is divided into multiple cleaning zones with outlets positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of various regions, maintaining overall air flow capacity while removing contaminants from different segments of the filter.
3Reliability
If outlets are provided at different positions and orientations, then contaminant extraction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as air flow passages during normal operation and as contaminant extraction points during cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms, maintaining contaminant removal efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of introducing clean air to blow contaminants out, the system inverts the approach by utilizing the existing dirty air flow itself to carry contaminants out through strategically positioned outlets. This reversal simplifies the cleaning mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.
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 apparatus effectively extends the life of filtering media by preventing clogs and reducing filter replacement frequency, improving air quality for internal combustion engines by capturing both large and fine contaminants without the need for filter removal during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
uses a housing with a conduit and nozzles to direct pressurized fluid onto the filtering medium, dislodging contaminants into a collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A filter housing includes a first end, an opposite second end and a peripheral side wall, all defining, in a combination with each other, a hollow interior of the housing. An air inlet is provided adjacent the first end and an air outlet is provided in the second end. The air inlet and air outlet are in open communication with the hollow interior. One or more openings are provided through the second end, being disposed between the air outlet and the peripheral side wall. A filter cleaning apparatus includes the filter housing, a hollow filter within the hollow interior and a nozzle within the hollow filter. The nozzle is designed to purge contaminates from the filter with pressurized fluid supply. The contaminates can be removed through one or more openings. The apparatus can be used as an air intake pre-cleaner or as a main air filter for internal combustion engine.