Filter Device Fluid Guide Adapter Plate Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices lack a simple and convenient conversion process to adapt to different modes of operation, limiting their versatility and increasing production and logistics costs due to the need for multiple designs to cover various applications.

Innovation Solution

The filter device features a fluid guide device with adapter plates having concentrically arranged fluid passage channels that can be selectively blocked by preassembled bypass valves, allowing easy conversion between flow paths from outside-in and inside-out, and securing against pressure differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the filter device is designed with fixed flow paths, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid guide device incorporates movable partition walls that can be repositioned between different locations, allowing the flow path to be dynamically changed. This enables the same filter device to accommodate different flow directions (outside-in or inside-out) and serve various applications without requiring multiple fixed designs, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid guide device is designed with universal features including movable partition walls and configurable flow paths that can serve multiple functions. The same device can be used for different filtration modes (outside-in or inside-out flow), different pressure conditions, and various application requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filter device designs are produced to cover different applications, then each application requirement is met, but production costs and logistics costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of application requirementsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal filter device design incorporates movable partition walls and configurable flow paths that can meet different application requirements. This multi-functional design allows one standardized product to replace multiple application-specific devices, significantly reducing production costs through economies of scale and lowering logistics costs by simplifying inventory management and distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the fluid guide device allows conversion between flow paths, then versatility is improved, but the conversion process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion capabilityVSAvoidconversion process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid guide device is segmented into modular components including movable partition walls and standardized flow path sections. This segmentation allows for simple conversion between different flow paths by merely repositioning the partition walls to predefined locations, making the conversion process straightforward and easy to operate while maintaining high versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If bypass valves are integrated into the fluid guide device, then safety against pressure differences is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against excessive pressure differenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass valves are merged with the fluid guide device structure, integrating the safety function directly into the existing component. This combination allows the bypass valves to work together with the movable partition walls and flow path configuration, providing protection against excessive pressure differences while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables straightforward and safe conversion, reducing production costs and increasing versatility, as the same device can be used for various applications with minimal changes, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing logistical complexities.

Implementation Method 1

bypass valves that can be optionally inserted therein and are pretensioned in the blocking position, and that the bypass valves are formed by valve inserts that can be used as a preassembled functional unit, including a spring-loaded closing part and valve seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2046473B8Filter device
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 HYDAC FILTERTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A filter device having a filter housing (1) and at least one filter element (13) that can be received in the filter housing (1) and that has an inner fluid space(71), which is limited by a filter medium (17), through which the fluid to be cleaned can flow, and which separates the inner fluid space (71) from an exterior fluid space (11) located in the filter housing (1), wherein the filter housing (1) has a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet for cleaned fluid, characterized in that a fluid guide device (9) is connected downstream to the fluid inlet (7), which can be retrofitted such that it optionally forms a flow path between the fluid inlet (7) and the exterior fluid space (11), or between the fluid inlet (7) and the inner fluid space (71) disposed in the filter element (13).