Fluid Filter With Dynamic Flow Control And Pleated Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration devices for engine oils and transmission fluids face challenges such as reduced fluid flow due to high viscosity at low temperatures, limited surface area in compact housings, and inadequate sealing methods, which affect their efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter apparatus with a pleat pack element featuring two types of filtration media of different densities, along with a flow control element that adjusts fluid flow based on temperature, pressure, and viscosity, and a supplemental filter material with apertures for improved flow management and assembly simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of filtration media is used, then the filter structure is simple, but fluid flow is restricted when the fluid is cold and highly viscous
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media is divided into multiple types with different filtration densities (e.g., a first type with lower density and a second type with higher density). Each media type handles different flow requirements, allowing the system to maintain simple overall structure while improving fluid flow characteristics across varying viscosity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow control mechanism (such as a bypass valve or flow director) is introduced to dynamically adjust the proportion of fluid flowing through different media types based on operating conditions. When fluid is cold and viscous, more flow is directed through the lower-density media; when fluid is warm, flow is directed through the higher-density media for improved filtration.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing is made compact, then the device size is reduced, but the surface area of the filtration media is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration media is configured in a pleated or folded arrangement rather than a flat sheet. This curved, three-dimensional configuration increases the effective surface area of the media within the compact housing volume, allowing more filtration surface to be packed into a smaller space.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple layers or types of filtration media are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the housing. This allows the media to be positioned in three-dimensional space efficiently, maximizing the use of available volume while maintaining compact housing dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filter media is crimped directly between housings for sealing, then the assembly is simple, but adequate sealing may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A separate sealing element or gasket is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter media and the housing. This dedicated sealing component ensures reliable sealing without complicating the assembly process, as the gasket can be easily positioned and compressed to create effective seals at the interfaces.
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
Enhances fluid flow efficiency across varying conditions, simplifies assembly, and improves filter characteristics by dynamically controlling the proportion of fluid flow through different media types, addressing the limitations of prior art filters.
Implementation Method 1
The flow control element is disposed for changing the proportion of flow between the first media and the second media responsive to changes in at least one of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and/or viscosity of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pleat pack element comprising a peripheral frame and a folded pleated media, wherein the frame is at least partially molded over at least some edges the media to secure the media in the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid filter apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300, 400) comprising an upper housing shell (15, 40, 314, 415); a lower housing shell (12, 312, 412); a pleat pack element (16, 322, 416) comprising a peripheral frame (24, 320) and a folded pleated media (18, 20, 120, 324, 418, 420). The frame (24, 320) is at least partially molded over the media (18, 20, 120, 324, 418, 420) to secure the media (18, 20, 120, 324, 418, 420) in the frame (24, 320), and the media (18, 20, 120, 324, 418, 420) comprises two or more types of media (18, 20, 120, 324, 418, 420) of different densities from each other. A flow control element (22, 128, 222, 422) is disposed for changing the proportion of flow between the first media (18, 324, 418) and the second media (20, 120, 420) responsive to changes in at least one of temperature, pressure, flow rate and/or viscosity of the fluid.