Filter Elements Carrying Firmware Updates for Remote Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filtration systems installed in remote locations often lack direct access to data networks, making it challenging to update firmware and software, leading to inconsistent and unreliable operation.

Innovation Solution

Embedding data storage elements with operational program data within replaceable filter elements allows for the conveyance of firmware and software updates during installation, enabling remote systems to receive necessary updates without a direct network connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If filtration systems are installed in remote locations without direct network access, then deployment flexibility and coverage are improved, but firmware and software updates become difficult and system reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidsystem operational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading firmware and software updates onto replaceable filter elements before they are installed in remote filtration systems. This allows the system to receive updates through the physical replacement of filter elements rather than requiring network connectivity at the time of installation, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling flexible deployment in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If data storage elements are embedded in replaceable filter elements, then data conveyance capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata conveyance capabilityVSAvoidfilter element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the filter element to serve multiple functions: its primary filtration function and a secondary data storage and conveyance function. The data storage element is integrated into the existing filter element structure, allowing the same component to both filter particles and carry firmware/software updates, thereby improving data conveyance capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20210318678A1Filter elements and systems with data conveyance features
Publication Date: 2021.10.14 DONALDSON CO INC
  • US20210318678A1 patent drawing
  • US20210318678A1 patent drawing
  • US20210318678A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments herein include filter elements and filtration systems. In an embodiment, a filter element for a filtration system is included. The filter element can include a filter body, filter media disposed within the filter body, and a data storage element associated with the filter body, the data storage element comprising operational program data. Other embodiments are also included herein.