Filter Valve Blocking Mechanism for Space-Constrained Hydraulic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices require replacement of the entire unit when the filter element becomes clogged, leading to operational risks due to forgotten filter element replacements, and previous solutions for ensuring proper operation, such as quarter-turn fasteners and stoppers, occupy significant space and incur high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a valve that blocks fluid flow when the filter element is absent, using a trigger part to actuate the valve element, which can be economically implemented with reduced installation space, ensuring the filter device operates only with a new filter element and providing a fouling display based on differential pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quarter-turn fastener or stopper is used to block fluid connections, then the filter can be reliably changed, but a relatively large amount of installation space is required and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blocking function from complex mechanical fasteners (quarter-turn fasteners, stoppers) and implements it through a simple valve mechanism that is already present in the filter device. The valve element can be actuated to block fluid flow without requiring additional space-consuming mechanical fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve in the filter device serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow during normal operation and also serves as the blocking mechanism during filter replacement. This eliminates the need for separate blocking components like stoppers or quarter-turn fasteners, reducing installation space while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a quarter-turn fastener or stopper is used to block fluid connections, then the filter can be reliably changed, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism performs both flow control and blocking functions, eliminating the need for separate expensive mechanical fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces component count and production costs while maintaining reliable filter replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is extracted from dedicated mechanical fasteners and integrated into the existing valve mechanism, reducing the bill of materials and simplifying manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the entire filter device is replaced when the filter element is clogged, then the filtration task can be restored, but the entire unit must be disposed of even though the filter housing would still be usable
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into replaceable components: the filter element can be removed and replaced independently from the filter housing. The blocking mechanism ensures that the housing remains sealed and functional after filter element replacement, allowing the housing to be reused multiple times.
4Ease of manufacture
If the filter element is replaced without proper blocking, then the filter housing can be reused, but operators may forget to install a new filter element causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured to automatically block fluid flow when the filter element is removed or not properly installed. This preliminary blocking action prevents unfiltered fluid from entering the system and causing damage, while also providing a clear indication that the filter element needs replacement.
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 prevents system failures by ensuring the filter element is always present, reducing production costs and installation space, and provides a reliable fouling display to maintain hydraulic system functionality and detect filter element absence.
Implementation Method 1
the differential pressure on the filter device increases such that a correspondingly mounted fouling display responds when the element is absent
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device has a filter housing part (10) with a filter element (12) and can be detachably connected to another filter housing part (20). A valve (24) clears a fluid path in the interconnected state of the housing parts (10, 20) with the filter element, and in the separated state of the housing parts (10, 20) from one another or without the filter element at least partially blocks it. Instead of known quarter-turn fastener and stopper solutions, a blocking is devised which can be economically implemented and which requires decidedly less installation space. A process for operation of a filter device is also provided.