Built-In Filter Joint for In-Line Replacement and Airtight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joints with built-in filters for high-pressure hydrogen gas systems require removal of the pipe connection section for filter maintenance and are prone to seal loosening due to fluid pressure fluctuations, complicating filter replacement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A joint design with a movably arranged filter element and a maintenance opening that allows linear insertion/removal of the filter, utilizing a seal ring and locking mechanism to maintain airtightness and facilitate filter replacement without pipe disconnection, featuring a seal ring on the filter base end and a locking mechanism such as a screw hole or integrated coupling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter element is threaded to the joint body for secure attachment, then the filter element remains fixed under fluid pressure, but the filter element cannot be removed for maintenance without complex tool engagement and unthreading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into separable components: a filter body with filtering surface and a base section with attachment features. This segmentation allows the filter element to be securely attached during operation yet easily removed for maintenance by simply disengaging the base section from the joint body's attachment features
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic snap-fit or bayonet-style connection that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The base section includes protrusions or lugs that mate with corresponding recesses in the joint body, allowing tool-free removal while maintaining secure fixation during operation
2Ease of repair
If the pipe connection section is designed to be removable for filter maintenance, then the filter element can be accessed, but the pipe connection must be disconnected from the piping system
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is extracted as a separate, independently removable component from the joint body. The base section of the filter element attaches to the joint body's internal features, allowing the filter element to be removed through the maintenance opening without requiring disconnection of the pipe connection sections from the piping system
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the joint body's internal cavity, with the base section attaching to internal features of the joint body. This nested arrangement allows the filter element to be accessed and removed through the maintenance opening while the joint body remains connected to the piping system
3Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to press the filter element against the body for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but the filter element moves under high fluid pressure against the spring force, loosening the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The base section of the filter element is pre-formed with attachment features (protrusions, lugs, or threading) that engage with corresponding features in the joint body before fluid pressure acts on the filter element. This preliminary mechanical engagement prevents the filter element from moving under pressure, eliminating the need for spring mechanisms and maintaining seal integrity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has a purpose of providing a joint with a built-in filter capable of replacing the filter without requiring removal of the joint from piping, thereby facilitating the replacement of the filter. The joint with the built-in filter includes: first and second inlet/outlet sections; a communication space formed to communicate with the first and second inlet/outlet sections; and a maintenance opening sealed in an airtight manner during non-maintenance. A filter element has: a cylindrical filter body; a base end section attached to an opening at one end of the filter body in an airtight manner and including a seal ring disposed between an outer circumferential surface thereof and an inner surface of the communication space; and a tip section disposed to seal an opening at the other end of the filter body in the airtight manner.