Integrated Filter Seal Valving for Anti-Drain Back Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems face challenges in preventing backflow or 'drain back' of fluid, which can lead to mixing of dirty fluid with filtered fluid, especially during dynamic pressure changes and filter servicing.
Innovation Solution
A filter design incorporating a seal with an annular central body and a deformable valving skirt that contacts the outgoing wall surface at an anti-drain back sealing location, allowing fluid flow while maintaining a seal against backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drain back valve is used to prevent backflow, then fluid mixing is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal and drain back valve functions into a single integrated seal component. The seal includes a seal body with a valve element that can move between sealed and open positions, eliminating the need for separate drain back valve components while maintaining backflow prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal component performs multiple functions: it provides sealing against the housing, acts as a drain back valve to prevent backflow, and includes a valve element that responds to pressure differential to control fluid flow direction. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a sophisticated filter design with multiple parts is used, then filter efficacy is maintained, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal and drain back valve are manufactured as a single integrated component, reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. This integration maintains filter efficacy while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated seal is designed with distinct functional zones: a seal body for sealing, a valve element for flow control, and a valve spring for actuation. This segmentation of functions within a single component allows for efficient manufacturing while maintaining complex functionality.
3Reliability
If a drain back valve is implemented, then backflow restriction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain back valve functionality is merged into the seal component itself. The valve element is positioned within the seal body and works in conjunction with the seal's sealing surfaces, eliminating the need for separate valve components while maintaining effective backflow restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve spring automatically actuates the valve element in response to pressure differential across the filter. When backpressure exceeds forward pressure, the spring pushes the valve element to close, automatically preventing backflow without requiring external control mechanisms or additional components.
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 solution effectively prevents backflow and mixing of dirty and clean fluids, ensuring optimal filter efficacy and ease of servicing by allowing fluid admission while maintaining a seal.
Implementation Method 1
a valving skirt contacts the outgoing wall surface at an anti-drain back sealing location radially outward of the plurality of fluid openings and being deformable away from the outgoing wall surface to permit fluid flow through the plurality of fluid openings
Implementation Method 2
a filter medium at least partially within the filter housing
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for a fluid system includes a filter housing, and a filter medium within the filter housing. A filter cap component is coupled to the filter housing and includes a fluid distribution wall having therein a plurality of fluid openings. The filter further includes a seal having an annular central body and a valving skirt contacting an outgoing wall surface of the filter cap component at an anti-drain back sealing location. The valving skirt is deformable away from the outgoing wall surface to permit fluid flow through the fluid distribution wall, and alternately seals against the fluid distribution wall to prevent drain back.