Filter Device IC Tag Liquid Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices with IC tags face issues as the IC tags immersed in liquid are prone to failure, and there is no suitable space for attaching them in return filter units that contact liquids.

Innovation Solution

The IC tag is positioned inside the upper plate covering the filter medium, and the antenna is placed on the lid body, ensuring the IC tag does not contact the liquid, with the convex portion on the plate aiding in positioning and proximity to the antenna for reliable sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the IC tag is attached to the filter element in a return filter unit, then the IC tag can be mounted for identification and time management, but the IC tag contacts liquid and breaks easily causing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIC tag mounting for identificationVSAvoidIC tag durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IC tag is extracted from the liquid-contacting environment by positioning it in the upper plate above the filter medium, separating the identification function from the liquid filtration function. This resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful exposure to liquid while maintaining the IC tag mounting capability for automation and identification purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper plate serves as an intermediary structure that holds the IC tag away from the liquid. By placing the IC tag in the upper plate rather than directly in the liquid path, the upper plate mediates between the need for IC tag mounting and the need to protect the IC tag from liquid damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the IC tag is positioned inside the upper plate, then the IC tag avoids liquid contact, but the sensing distance to the antenna increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIC tag durabilityVSAvoidsensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The convex portion extends in the vertical dimension toward the antenna, compensating for the horizontal separation caused by placing the IC tag in the upper plate. This dimensional extension maintains the sensing relationship by bringing the IC tag closer to the antenna in the vertical direction, resolving the contradiction between liquid avoidance and sensing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If the IC tag is attached to the filter element, then identification functionality is achieved, but there is no appropriate space for mounting the IC tag in return filter units

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIC tag mountingVSAvoidmounting space availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper plate, which originally serves only as a structural component of the filter element, is given a dual function by incorporating the IC tag mounting capability. This multi-functionality resolves the space problem by utilizing existing structure rather than adding separate mounting components, achieving identification functionality without increasing device complexity.

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

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 configuration prevents IC tag contact with liquids, reduces assembly complexity, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for resin coating, while ensuring accurate data reading and reducing failure rates.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna (51) provided on the lid body (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3733259B1Filter device
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 YAMASHIN FILTER CORP
  • EP3733259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733259B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3733259B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An IC tag is attached to a filter element and a contact of the IC tag with liquid is avoidable. An IC tag 40 is provided inside an upper plate 24 provided so as to cover an upper end surface of a filter medium 21 in a filter element 20. A lid body 30 is provided on the case 10 into which the filter element 20 is inserted, and an antenna 51 is provided on the lid body 30.