Fluid Separating Device with Phase Detection Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-collecting sumps face issues with fluid loss and microbial contamination due to operator reaction time limitations and large phase boundaries, leading to inefficient separation and contamination of fuels like kerosene.

Innovation Solution

A separating device with a pipeline equipped with a flow restrictor, phase detection sensor, and electronically actuatable outlet valve, allowing for fully automatic separation by detecting phase boundaries and minimizing fluid loss and microbial contamination, while being easily retrofittable and economically viable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual outflow valve operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to slow operator reaction time causing main fluid loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control mechanismVSAvoidfluid separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical valve operation with an automated electronic control system. A phase detection sensor detects the phase boundary between light and heavy fluids, and an electronic actuator automatically operates the outflow valve based on sensor signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing main fluid loss due to slow reaction time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the phase detection sensor continuously monitors the fluid interface position and provides real-time feedback to the electronic actuator. This closed-loop control enables automatic adjustment of the outflow valve to maintain optimal separation conditions and prevent main fluid discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If manual emptying is performed infrequently, then loss of time for operation is reduced, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to microbe growth at large phase boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying operation timeVSAvoidmicrobial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring and automatic control of the phase boundary position through the phase detection sensor and electronic actuator system. This continuous operation allows frequent, automatic emptying cycles that prevent microbe growth by minimizing the duration and size of the phase boundary interface, eliminating the need for infrequent manual emptying operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the phase boundary and controlling the outflow valve without human intervention. The electronic actuator responds autonomously to sensor signals, enabling the system to maintain itself in an optimal state and perform emptying operations on demand without requiring operator presence or decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated phase detection and valve control are implemented, then productivity and fluid purity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic separation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential components needed for automation: a phase detection sensor to detect the fluid interface and an electronic actuator to control the outflow valve. By selecting minimal, focused components rather than complex automated systems, the patent achieves automatic separation functionality while limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device ensures minimal main fluid escape and reduced microbial contamination by automatically detecting and managing phase boundaries, maintaining fuel purity and reducing disposal costs.

Implementation Method 1

a phase detection sensor (30) for detecting a phase boundary between a light fluid and a heavy fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11273392B2Separating device for fluid-collecting sumps and fluid container devices comprising such a separating device

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 FAUDI AVIATION

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating device (1) for fluid-collecting sumps, in particular of filter or water separators, comprising a line pipe (10) which has a connection opening (11) and an outlet opening (12), wherein the line pipe (10) is equipped with a flow restrictor (20), a phase detection sensor (30) for detecting a phase boundary (G) between a light fluid (F1) and a heavy fluid (F2), and an electronically actuatable outlet valve (40) between the phase detection sensor (30) and the outlet opening (12). The outlet valve (40) is actuated by a regulating device (45) such that the outlet valve (40) is brought from an open position into a closed position when a phase boundary (G) is detected by the phase detection sensor (30). The invention additionally relates to fluid container devices (100) comprising a fluid-collecting sump (101) and such a separating device (1).