Integrated Filter Pulsation Dampening for Pressure Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems face efficiency reductions due to pressure pulses from fluid communication with pumps and engines, requiring external pulsation reduction mechanisms that increase system cost and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pulse dampening interface within the filter system, featuring a housing bolt, base, and a replaceable filter element with annular filter media and a flexible valve or baffle configuration that mitigates pressure pulses by creating a serpentine flow passage or shut-off gap, preventing pulsations from reaching the filter media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external pulsation reducing mechanism is added to the filter system, then pressure pulse protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsation dampening device is merged with the filter element by integrating the flexible valve and baffle structures directly into the filter housing. The flexible valve is positioned within the filter element's central passage, and the baffle is attached to the filter housing, creating a unified filter-pulsation control assembly that eliminates the need for separate external pulsation reduction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: filtration of fluid contaminants and dampening of pressure pulsations. The flexible valve and baffle structures enable the filter element to respond to pressure pulses while maintaining its primary filtration function, making the system more versatile without adding separate components
2Reliability
If an external pulsation reducing mechanism is added to the filter system, then pressure pulse protection is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the pulsation dampening function with the replaceable filter element, maintenance is simplified as the entire assembly can be replaced as a single unit. The flexible valve and baffle are integrated into the filter element structure, eliminating separate maintenance requirements for external pulsation control components
3Reliability
If the flexible valve opens and closes frequently to mitigate pressure pulses, then pressure pulsation reduction is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible valve changes its opening parameter dynamically in response to pressure pulse magnitude. During normal operation, the valve remains fully open to minimize flow restriction. When pressure pulses occur, the valve closes partially or fully to dampen the pulse, adjusting its state based on the instantaneous pressure conditions rather than operating in a fixed position
4Reliability
If the shut-off gap distance between the baffle and flexible valve is reduced, then pressure pulsation dampening is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed gap design to a dynamic adjustable gap configuration. The flexible valve moves dynamically in response to pressure pulses, automatically adjusting the shut-off gap distance between the baffle and valve. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for precise manufacturing tolerances, as the system self-regulates the gap based on operating conditions
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 solution effectively reduces pressure pulsations, enhancing filter performance and reducing maintenance and cost by integrating pulsation dampening directly into the filter system, thereby improving fluid filtration efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible valve that defines a valve free end that is disposed in the central reservoir of the center tube; a first baffle extending from the housing bolt and terminating at a first baffle free end and the flexible valve of the filter element which is disposed radially inwardly and longitudinally above the first baffle free end, defining a shut-off gap distance between the first baffle valve free end and the flexible valve, wherein the flexible valve opens and closes on the first baffle and opens when there is no pressure pulsation downstream
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter element (200') includes an annular filter media (202) defining a central passage (219), a center tube (206) that is disposed in the central passage (219) of the annular filter media (202) that defines a central reservoir (204), a top open end (220) joined to the center tube (206), the top open end (220) including an opening (210) allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir (204) to the outside of the filter element (200'), a bottom open end (222) joined to the center tube (206) opposite the top open end (220), and a filter pulsation dampening device (224') including a flexible valve (244) that defines a valve free end (246) that is disposed in the central reservoir (204).