Fluid Cleaning System with Adaptive Sensor Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid cleaning systems struggle to adapt to changing operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies and risks such as fluid overflow and excessive heating, due to their reliance on mechanical means for flow control and fixed heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid cleaning system incorporating a filtration assembly, evaporation assembly, sensors, and a controller that monitors and adjusts operating conditions, allowing for dynamic regulation of filtration and evaporation processes to optimize fluid cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical means (valves, fixed orifices) are used for flow control, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static mechanical flow control components (valves, fixed orifices) with a dynamic control system that includes sensors to detect operating conditions and a controller to adjust the heating element output and flow rate in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor operating conditions (such as fluid temperature, flow rate, or pressure) and feeding this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the heating element and flow control mechanisms to maintain optimal cleaning performance
2Reliability
If fixed heating elements are used, then the installation is simple, but the system cannot prevent excessive heating under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from sensors monitoring fluid temperature and heating element output, continuously adjusting the heating element operation to maintain safe temperature ranges and prevent excessive heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical fixed heating element system with an electronically controlled heating system that uses sensors and a controller to dynamically regulate heating output, substituting mechanical simplicity with electronic control for improved safety and reliability
3Productivity
If single vessel design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot optimize both filtration and evaporation simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtration and evaporation processes into a single integrated system where both functions operate simultaneously within the same vessel, with the controller coordinating both processes to optimize overall cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel is designed to perform multiple functions (filtration and evaporation) simultaneously, making it a multi-functional device that achieves both cleaning objectives without requiring separate dedicated chambers
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 system reduces installation time and costs, minimizes operational risks, and enhances maintenance by enabling adaptive performance to changing conditions, preventing fluid overflow and excessive heating.
Implementation Method 1
Filtration is the dominant method for removing solid particulates from a fluid
Implementation Method 2
Removal of liquid contaminants has also spawned a significant number of technologies designed to remove them including such methods as gravity separation, centrifuge, polymer absorption, vacuum dehydration, and evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid comprising a fluid supply port for receiving a contaminated fluid; a fluid return port for providing a cleaned fluid; an evaporator for evaporating liquid contaminants from the fluid; a fluid line connecting the evaporator between the fluid supply port and the fluid return port; a sensor connected to at least one of the fluid filter, the evaporator, and the fluid line; a controller connected to an output of the sensor, wherein the controller includes: a processor; and a memory device including computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform the steps of: receiving data from the sensor; comparing the data from the sensor to reference data; sending a control signal to at least one of the fluid filter and the evaporator based on comparing the data from the sensor to the reference data.