In-Tank Filter Assembly with Disposable Element and Inlet Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need in the art for reducing the cost, space, and weight of in-tank filter assemblies for industrial fluid reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
The in-tank filter assembly features a two-piece filter assembly mount with an upper filter mount and a lower tank extension member, including tank coupling elements for secure attachment to the tank. It incorporates a disposable filter element with an inside-out flow design, a bypass structure, and an inlet closing valve that automatically seals when the filter element is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete filter housing assembly is used, then filtration reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into two main segments: a reusable filter housing assembly and a disposable filter element. The housing assembly includes the filter bowl, mounting structure, and inlet/outlet connections, while the filter element contains the actual filtration media. This segmentation allows the complex housing to be manufactured once and reused, while the simpler filter element can be easily replaced, thereby maintaining filtration reliability while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced when contaminated or clogged. By making the filter element disposable rather than requiring replacement of the entire filter housing assembly, the system maintains high filtration reliability while significantly reducing device complexity, material costs, and installation time. The disposable nature of the filter element eliminates the need for complex disassembly and cleaning procedures.
2Ease of operation
If a top mounted filter element is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a stationary housing and a removable filter element. The filter element is designed as a self-contained unit that can be easily extracted from the housing through a simple opening mechanism, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures. This segmentation enables top-mounted access for filter replacement while keeping the overall device structure simple and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If traditional filter assembly design is used, then filtration function is achieved, but weight and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into lightweight components: a thin-walled filter bowl, a simple mounting structure, and a compact filter element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining its function. The filter element, being disposable, can use lighter materials since it doesn't need to withstand repeated installation cycles, thereby reducing overall assembly weight while maintaining filtration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for heavy-duty, durable materials throughout the entire assembly. Only the critical housing structure requires sufficient strength and durability, while the filter element itself can use lighter, less expensive materials since it is replaced rather than reused. This significantly reduces the overall weight and material costs of the filter assembly.
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
This design simplifies tank construction, reduces material costs, and allows for easy replacement of the filter element without reattaching the inlet hose, thereby minimizing fluid spillage and operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass structure within the element and bypass plate configured to selectively open allowing flow to flow around a disposable filter element of the in-tank filter assembly into the tank in bypass operation
Implementation Method 2
an inlet closing valve configured to selectively close off the inlet and biased toward a closed position
Implementation Method 3
the inlet closing valve is configured to automatically close off the inlet when the disposable filter element is removed from the filter element mount
Data Source
AI summary
An in-tank filter assembly for an industrial fluid reservoir tank includes a two piece filter assembly mount comprising an upper filter mount and a lower tank extension member; an element and bypass plate; a bypass structure within the element and bypass plate; a filter element mount coupled to the element and bypass plate; the disposable filter element removably coupled to the filter element mount, wherein the filter assembly forms a bowl-less in tank return line filter having inside-out flow; and an inlet closing valve configured to selectively close off the inlet and biased toward a closed position, wherein the inlet closing valve is configured to automatically close off the inlet when the disposable filter element is removed from the filter element mount.