Filter Element Closing Member Pressure Threshold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid filter elements in vehicles lack effective means to ensure proper insertion and detection of appropriate, new filter elements, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies, as existing solutions are costly and do not detect issues like missing or damaged elements.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a closing member that remains closed below a predetermined pressure threshold, opening only when this threshold is reached to allow fluid flow, and remaining open thereafter, allowing for category-specific pressure thresholds to ensure correct installation and operation, monitored by a pressure sensor in the liquid circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning means or identification means are equipped on filter elements, then improper insertion can be avoided, but the cost increases and not all problems (missing element, damaged element, already used element) can be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex mechanical positioning/identification means and implements it through a simple pressure sensor that monitors pressure evolution during pump operation. This separates the detection function into a standalone sensing mechanism rather than integrating complex means into the filter element itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning means and identification means with a pressure-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical features that require precise physical engagement, the system uses pressure evolution patterns during pump operation to identify filter element status, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure.
2Device complexity
If no detection means are used, then the filter element structure remains simple, but improper insertion, missing elements, damaged elements, or already used elements cannot be detected leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure evolution during pump operation and comparing it against expected patterns. The system provides feedback about filter element status (properly inserted, new, damaged, or already used) based on pressure characteristics, enabling detection without adding complex mechanical means to the filter element itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element itself generates the detection signal through its interaction with the liquid circuit during normal operation. The pressure evolution that occurs naturally during pump operation serves as the detection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate active sensing components on the filter element.
3Ease of operation
If filter elements are changed periodically without verification, then maintenance operations are simple, but inappropriate filter elements may be installed reducing filtration quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of filter element suitability by monitoring pressure evolution during the first pump operation after filter element installation. This preliminary check occurs automatically before normal operation begins, confirming that the filter element is appropriate and properly installed before the system proceeds with regular operation.
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
Enables reliable detection of appropriate filter element category and condition through pressure monitoring, preventing improper insertion and damage, and providing a cost-effective solution for ensuring filtration quality and engine safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one closing member (31) configured to remain close below a predetermined pressure threshold to prevent a liquid flow, to open only once at said predetermined threshold pressure to allow a liquid flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~5
Figure 6~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element (20) comprising: - a filter medium (21 ) having an axial channel (22); - end plates (25, 26) each sealingly covering one axial end of the filter medium (21), one end plate (25) having an opening (27) in fluid communication with the channel (22); - a hole (30) arranged on the liquid path, not on the filter medium, and a closing member (31) which is arranged in said hole and which is configured: - to prevent liquid from flowing through said hole when the liquid pressure upstream the closing member is below a predetermined threshold (Pth); - to open at said threshold (Pth), to allow liquid to flow through said hole; - and, after it has been opened, to remain open. The invention relates to a method for checking the suitability of a filter element, at first use after a filter element change. The method comprises: - monitoring the liquid pressure at a point of the liquid circuit located outside of and near a port (11, 12) of a filter housing (13) receiving the filter element, when an electrical pump (6) of the liquid circuit is restarted for the first time; - comparing the evolution of said monitored liquid pressure over time with a predetermined evolution over time of the liquid pressure at said point for a new reference filter element.