Filter Inlet Cap for Uniform Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filters in fluid systems, such as those used in the rail and semiconductor industries, have narrow operating ranges, require frequent maintenance, and are prone to failure, leading to unexpected downtime and increased costs due to their limitations in handling varying fluid flow rates and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A filter design with optimized fluid flows, featuring a filtering media tube coupled with an inlet cap that uniformly distributes fluid transversally and an outlet cap that allows forward fluid flow while limiting reverse flow, preventing undesired fluid rates and extending the filter's operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are used to remove moisture from compressed air, then filtering function is achieved, but operating range is narrow and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple filtering media tubes (102) arranged in parallel, each containing filtering media (206). This segmentation allows the fluid flow to be distributed across multiple paths, preventing any single tube from becoming saturated too quickly, thereby extending the operating range and maintenance interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering media tubes are arranged horizontally rather than vertically, changing the orientation dimension. This allows the use of horizontal flow distribution mechanisms (inlet cap with distribution holes) instead of relying on gravity-dependent vertical flow, expanding the operational flexibility and range of the filter system.
2Reliability
If desiccant beads are used in filters, then moisture adsorption is achieved, but beads degrade and create particulates due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
Each filtering media tube is enclosed in a separate housing (208) with a rigid structure that contains the desiccant beads. This enclosure protects the beads from external vibrations and mechanical degradation, preventing particulate generation while maintaining moisture adsorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to cushion and absorb vibrations before they can affect the desiccant beads. The rigid housing walls and mounting structure provide mechanical protection in advance, preventing bead degradation and particulate formation during equipment operation.
3Reliability
If filters are oriented vertically for proper fluid flow, then filtering performance is maintained, but equipment changing orientation cannot use the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system transitions from vertical orientation to horizontal orientation, changing the operational dimension. The inlet cap (104) with its flow distribution holes is designed to work with horizontal fluid flow, allowing the filter to be installed in equipment that changes orientation without compromising filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and flow distribution design makes the filter universally applicable to different equipment orientations. The horizontal flow distribution mechanism works effectively regardless of whether the equipment is in portrait or landscape orientation, expanding the versatility of the filter system.
4Reliability
If filtering media tube is used to remove components from fluid, then filtering function is achieved, but fluid flow distribution is non-uniform without optimized inlet cap
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet cap (104) incorporates multiple flow distribution holes strategically positioned to create uniform local flow patterns across all filtering media tubes. Each hole is designed to deliver fluid evenly to its corresponding tube, ensuring consistent filtering efficiency across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet cap acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the filtering media tubes. It mediates the fluid flow by distributing it uniformly across multiple tubes through its flow distribution holes, preventing non-uniform flow patterns and ensuring consistent filtering performance.
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 filter design enhances reliability by maintaining optimal fluid flow rates and reducing maintenance needs, minimizing downtime and operational costs by ensuring consistent performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet cap adapted to receive and substantially uniformly distribute the fluid to the filtering media tube
Implementation Method 2
The filters may include material that adsorbs moisture from the compressed air provided by the equipment. In filters, desiccant beads or membranes are employed to adsorb the moisture from the air.
Implementation Method 3
an outlet cap adapted to receive fluid from the filtering media tube and allow a forward fluid flow while limiting a reverse fluid flow of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A filter (100) with optimized fluid flows to remove one or more components from a fluid is provided according to the invention. The filter (100) includes a filtering media tube (102) adapted to remove the one or more components from the fluid while the fluid is flowing through the filtering media tube (102), and an inlet cap (104) adapted to receive and substantially uniformly distribute the fluid to the filtering media tube (102).