Elastically Deformable Filter Protrusions for Adaptive Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filters require replacement when the size of the object to be trapped changes, making the filtration process inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A filter with a filter base portion having through-holes and elastically deformable protrusions that adjust the gap between adjacent through-holes, allowing for the filtration of objects of different sizes without replacing the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filters with fixed through-holes are used, then the filter structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the filter cannot adapt to different object sizes requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter incorporates elastically deformable protrusions that can dynamically adjust the gap between adjacent through-holes based on applied pressure, enabling the filter to adapt to different object sizes without requiring replacement. This dynamic adjustment mechanism transforms a static filter structure into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structure changes its physical parameters (gap size between through-holes) by elastically deforming the protrusions in response to pressure changes. This allows the same filter to accommodate different object sizes by modifying its effective pore size through parameter change rather than structural replacement.
2Productivity
If the gap between through-holes is small to prevent clogging, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but objects of larger sizes cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable protrusions enable the gap between through-holes to dynamically expand when pressure is applied, allowing objects of larger sizes to pass through while maintaining efficient fluid flow. The dynamic nature of the gap size resolves the contradiction between maintaining a small gap for flow efficiency and allowing larger objects to pass.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple filters are used for different object sizes, then filtration precision for specific sizes is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates due to replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single filter structure performs multiple functions by filtering objects of different sizes through pressure-controlled elastic deformation of the protrusions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to replace filters for different object sizes, significantly improving operational convenience while maintaining filtration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter automatically adjusts its gap size in response to pressure changes, enabling it to self-regulate for different object sizes without requiring user intervention or replacement. This self-service capability maintains filtration precision across different applications while improving ease of operation.
4Strength
If rigid structures are used between through-holes, then mechanical strength is high, but the structure cannot adjust to allow different object sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter uses elastically deformable protrusions instead of rigid structures between through-holes. These flexible protrusions maintain the mechanical integrity of the filter while enabling gap size adjustment through elastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structure combines rigid base material with elastically deformable protrusion elements, creating a composite structure that maintains overall mechanical strength while providing localized flexibility for gap adjustment. This composite approach allows the filter to be both strong and adaptable.
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 improves convenience by allowing the filtration of objects of varying sizes through pressure adjustment, reducing clogging and increasing mechanical strength, while maintaining efficient fluid flow and easy object removal.
Implementation Method 1
a first protrusion and a second protrusion between a first set of two adjacent through-holes of the plurality of through-holes, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A filter that includes: a filter base portion that has a first main surface and a second main surface opposite from the first main surface and that defines a plurality of through-holes extending between the first main surface and the second main surface; and a first protrusion and a second protrusion between a first set of two adjacent through-holes of the plurality of through-holes, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being elastically deformable, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion defining a first gap through which the first set of two adjacent through-holes communicate with each other.