Grease Filter Cartridge With Parallel Flow and Vortex Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal grease filter cartridges have short centrifugal flow paths and do not effectively utilize the vortex separation principle, limiting their ability to capture grease efficiently due to operational and mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A grease extraction filter assembly with a filtering portion configured for parallel flow, a frame that defines a box structure to allow flow exit from one end to the opposite side, and features such as pins and recesses, flexible holding brackets, and spoked structures with radial bristles to enhance surface area and reduce turbulence, improving capture efficiency and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centrifugal grease filter cartridges use short centrifugal flow paths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the grease capture efficiency deteriorates due to inadequate vortex separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension linear flow path to a multi-dimensional spiral vortex flow path. The fumes are directed to enter at one end and travel through a spiral path along the outer periphery before moving inward, creating a three-dimensional vortex pattern that maximizes separation distance and grease capture efficiency within a compact cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved spiral flow paths instead of straight lines, utilizing centrifugal force generated by the vortex motion. The spiral configuration creates continuous curved flow that enhances separation between grease particles and air stream, allowing effective grease removal while maintaining a compact filter cartridge design.
2Strength
If the frame is surrounded edgewise by a solid structure of the hood opening, then the structural support is improved, but the airflow exit is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple discrete support legs rather than a continuous solid structure. These spaced-apart legs provide necessary structural support while leaving gaps that allow air flow to pass freely from the filtering portion through the frame to the hood opening, resolving the conflict between structural strength and airflow accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a uniform solid design to a non-uniform configuration with strategically placed openings and leg-like supports. The solid portions provide structural strength where needed, while the open portions facilitate airflow, creating locally optimized regions that address different requirements simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If brush type filters use high density and high surface area, then the filtering capacity is improved, but operational and mechanical problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush-type filtering system with a centrifugal separation system using spiral vortex flow and filter media. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and operational reliability issues associated with brushes while maintaining high filtering capacity through the combination of centrifugal force and extensive filter surface area in a spiral configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous filter media arranged in a spiral configuration to achieve high surface area filtering without the mechanical problems of brush types. The porous structure provides extensive filtering surface while being passive and maintenance-free, relying on airflow dynamics rather than mechanical contact for grease separation.
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 enhances grease capture efficiency and reduces turbulence, resulting in lower pressure drop and energy savings by allowing airflow to exit freely, even when surrounded by a solid structure, and improving the overall performance of grease extraction filters.
Implementation Method 1
Many such filters have short centrifugal flow paths and hardly benefit from the vortex separation principle
Implementation Method 2
centrifugal grease filter cartridges
Data Source
AI summary
A grease filter has a filtering portion configured such that fumes enter a major face thereof and flow through a grease extraction filter therewithin in a direction parallel to the major face. A frame that fits into an opening of a hood defines a box structure that is configured to allow flow from the end (or ends) of the filtering portion where flow exits. The frame permits the flow to exit to a side opposite the face even when the frame is surrounded, edgewise, by a solid structure of the hood opening.