Filter Module Swirl Device for Dirt Pre-Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter modules with annular filter medium bodies struggle to effectively separate dirt particles from fluid flows before they enter the filtration medium, leading to increased dirt load and reduced filtration efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A swirl device is integrated into the flow path between the inflow opening and the filter medium body, imparting a swirl to the incoming fluid, which separates dirt particles before they reach the filter medium, utilizing a displacement body or guiding ribs to guide the fluid and enhance centrifugal separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cyclone pre-separator with two cyclone cells of different diameter is used, then dirt particles can be separated from the fluid flow, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt particle separation efficiencyVSAvoidpre-separator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the swirl-imparting function from a complex cyclone pre-separator system and implements it through a simpler displacement body that redirects fluid flow to create swirl. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the beneficial dirt particle separation effect through the swirl flow pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the flow parameters by using a displacement body to redirect fluid flow and create swirl. This alternative approach to particle separation achieves the same separation goal with different flow dynamics, avoiding the need for multiple cyclone cells of different diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If the inflow opening is positioned closer to the filter medium body, then the filter housing space is optimized, but the swirl device requires sufficient axial distance to effectively impart swirl to the fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter housing volumeVSAvoidswirl generation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the axial dimension to position the displacement body and create swirl, allowing the inflow opening to be positioned closer to the filter medium body in the radial direction. The swirl generation occurs along the axial dimension, providing sufficient distance for effective swirl imparting while optimizing the overall housing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a swirl device is integrated into the filter housing, then dirt particles are pre-separated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt particle pre-separationVSAvoidfilter module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement body serves multiple functions: it redirects fluid flow from the inflow opening, creates swirl in the fluid, and enables dirt particle pre-separation. This multi-functional component achieves particle pre-separation without requiring a separate, complex swirl device, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the fluid flow velocity is increased to enhance centrifugal separation, then dirt particles are separated more effectively, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentrifugal separation efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement body uses the kinetic energy already present in the incoming fluid flow to create swirl and enable centrifugal separation. The system does not require additional energy input to drive a separate swirl-generating mechanism, as the fluid's own motion is redirected to create the necessary swirl for effective dirt particle separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 swirl device effectively pre-separates dirt particles, reducing the dirt load on the filter medium and improving filtration efficiency by accelerating the fluid flow and utilizing centrifugal forces for separation, allowing for better positioning of the inflow opening and expanded constructive possibilities.

Implementation Method 1

A swirl device embodied separate from the outer wall of the filter housing is arranged in the flow path between an inflow opening in the filter housing and the inflow side of the filter medium body in order to impress a swirl onto the incoming fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS11219855B2Filter module comprising a filter element in a filter housing

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A filter module is provided with a filter housing provided with an inflow opening. A filter element with an annular filter medium body with an elongate cross-sectional shape is arranged inside the filter housing. A flow path is defined between the inflow opening of the filter housing and an inflow side of the filter medium body. A swirl device is arranged in the flow path and impresses a swirl onto an incoming fluid. The swirl device is a part separate from an outer wall of the filter housing. The swirl device is arranged axially upstream of the inflow side of the filter medium body. The swirl device is provided with a displacement body arranged inside the filter housing adjacent to the inflow opening. The displacement body forms a flow guiding element.