Filter Unit Projection Design for Air Bubble Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharging apparatuses, air bubbles accumulate in the upper end portion of the filter chamber due to buoyancy, leading to potential discharge failures when the filter chamber is inclined, as existing designs do not effectively manage the flow of air bubbles between the filter and the coupling ports.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a flow path member featuring a projection between recesses in the second space, where the projection extends in a direction crossing between the coupling ports, facilitating the flow of air bubbles towards the first coupling port and reducing accumulation by increasing flow velocity and minimizing the flow path section between the filter and the projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter chamber is inclined to facilitate liquid flow, then liquid flow efficiency is improved, but air bubbles accumulate in the upper end portion due to buoyancy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts air bubbles from the main liquid flow path by providing a dedicated air bubble discharge path that separates air bubble removal from liquid flow, allowing the filter chamber to be inclined for efficient liquid flow while preventing air bubble accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary air bubble discharge path (including air bubble discharge holes and communication passages) that acts as a mediator between the filter chamber and external environment, enabling air bubbles to be removed separately without affecting liquid flow efficiency
2Productivity
If the filter chamber volume is increased to improve filtration capacity, then filtration performance is improved, but air bubble accumulation becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filter chamber into distinct functional zones: a liquid flow path region and an air bubble discharge region. This segmentation allows the overall chamber volume to be increased for filtration capacity while the dedicated air bubble region prevents accumulation by providing escape paths
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary air bubble discharge holes and communication passages that provide dedicated escape routes for air bubbles, allowing the filter chamber volume to be increased for filtration capacity without proportionally increasing air bubble accumulation problems
3Speed
If the flow path length between filter and coupling ports is reduced to improve liquid flow, then liquid flow speed is improved, but air bubbles reach the upper end portion more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow path into separate liquid flow passages and air bubble discharge passages. This allows the liquid flow path to be optimized for speed while the air bubble path provides a parallel escape route, preventing air bubbles from reaching the upper end portion along with the fast-moving liquid
4Device complexity
If the filter chamber is designed without additional structural features to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but air bubble management becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by adding air bubble discharge holes and communication passages only in specific locations where air bubbles tend to accumulate, rather than redesigning the entire filter chamber structure. This minimizes overall complexity while effectively addressing air bubble management at critical locations
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 unit effectively discharges air bubbles through the first coupling port before they reach the upper end portion, suppressing accumulation and ensuring reliable operation of the liquid discharging apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the air bubbles which have flowed into the downstream filter chamber move upward in the vertical direction by buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A first recess and a second recess are formed in a wall surface of the second space, a projection is formed between the first recess and the second recess, a first coupling port is formed in the first recess, a second coupling port is formed in the second recess, the projection extends in a direction of crossing between the first coupling port and the second coupling port, and a distance, between the first coupling port and a front end portion, in a first direction as a direction toward the first coupling port from the second coupling port among directions in a plane of the filter is smaller than a distance in the first direction between the first coupling port and one end portion of the projection and is smaller than a distance in the first direction between the first coupling port and another end portion of the projection.