Deformable Grommet Valve for Fluid Filter Priming Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filters often have dirty fluid inlets proximate to clean fluid outlets, causing priming fluid to bypass the filter media and enter the downstream system during the priming process, leading to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a deformable grommet acting as a valve member, which seals the clean fluid outlet during priming to prevent contamination, and deforms to allow clean fluid exit when mounted, ensuring that priming fluid is filtered through the media before reaching the downstream system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the dirty fluid inlet is positioned proximate to the clean fluid outlet for compact filter design, then the filter assembly size is reduced, but priming fluid can bypass the filter media and enter the downstream system causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A valve member is introduced as an intermediary component between the dirty fluid inlet and clean fluid outlet. This valve member remains closed during priming operations to prevent direct communication between the inlet and outlet, thereby blocking the harmful bypass path while allowing the compact inlet/outlet positioning to be maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is pre-positioned in a closed state before priming begins, proactively preventing any potential contamination path from forming. This preliminary protective action ensures that even if priming fluid is poured into the dirty inlet, it cannot reach the clean outlet without passing through the filter media
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve member seals the clean fluid outlet during priming to prevent contamination, then downstream system cleanliness is improved, but fluid flow restriction increases during the priming process
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with a segmented structure featuring an annular body with a central cavity and multiple ports. This segmentation allows different portions of the valve to perform different functions: the annular body seals the clean outlet, the central cavity receives the actuator, and the ports enable controlled fluid communication when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member transitions from a static closed state during priming to a dynamic open state during normal operation. The valve actuating member enables this dynamic behavior by deforming the flexible valve body to open ports, allowing the system to adapt its flow characteristics based on operational requirements
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
Prevents contaminants from entering the downstream system during priming by ensuring all fluid passes through the filter media, maintaining system cleanliness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable grommet acting as a valve member, which seals the clean fluid outlet during priming
Implementation Method 2
ensuring that priming fluid is filtered through the media before reaching the downstream system
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A filter and filter element is provided that incorporates a valve member for preventing priming fluid from contaminating a clean fluid side of the filter or filter element. The filter may incorporate a replaceable filter element or be replaceable itself. The valve member is preferably formed as an annular flange of a grommet mounted to an end cap of the filter element. The annular flange sealingly engages with the end cap and closes a clean fluid outlet port in a relaxed state and opens the clean fluid outlet port in a deformed state.