Inverted Spin-On Filter Auto Drain System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of reducing spillage during the replacement of spin-on filters in engine components, where traditional installation orientations lead to a high risk of fluid spillage due to incomplete drainage, necessitates a solution to manage fluid cleanliness effectively.
Innovation Solution
The Filter Inversion and Auto Drain System, which involves orienting spin-on filters upside-down, using flow routing valves, a positive displacement pump, check valves for prevention of backflow, and a vent check valve for proper venting, actively drains fluids from the filter element and head before removal, reducing spillage and effort during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spin-on filters are installed in traditional orientation (filter head above filter element), then the filter structure is simple and easy to install, but fluid spillage occurs during filter element replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is installed in inverse orientation with the filter element positioned above the filter head, allowing gravity to drain fluid from the filter element into the filter head during normal operation, thereby reducing fluid accumulation and spillage risk during replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary draining of fluid from the filter element before replacement is needed, using gravity during normal operation to pre-drain fluid into the filter head, so that when the filter element is removed, minimal fluid remains to cause spillage
2Ease of operation
If spin-on filters are installed in inverse orientation (filter element above filter head), then fluid drainage is improved, but the risk of spillage during replacement remains high
Solution Approach 1:
A drain valve is introduced as an intermediary component that provides controlled drainage of fluid from the filter head to a collection container, allowing operators to safely drain remaining fluid before filter element removal without uncontrolled spillage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the filter head as a self-contained fluid collection reservoir that automatically receives drained fluid from the filter element, eliminating the need for external collection equipment during normal draining operations
3Device complexity
If traditional filter installation is used, then the system structure is simple, but fluid cleanliness control is compromised due to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted filter installation allows gravity to continuously drain fluid from the filter element, maintaining a drier filter element that can be removed without contaminating the surrounding environment, thereby improving fluid cleanliness control
Solution Approach 2:
The drain valve extracts fluid from the filter head and directs it to a collection container, separating the fluid drainage function from the filtration function and preventing fluid from contaminating the work environment during filter replacement
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 system effectively minimizes the risk of spillage and simplifies the filter replacement process by ensuring nearly complete drainage of fluids, enhancing fluid cleanliness control and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A positive displacement pump (typically DC driven, PLC or Relay Logic controlled)... A drain pump is provided with its intake in fluid communication with the valve
Implementation Method 2
a first filter drain check valve... a second filter drain check valve... A filter outlet check valve... A drain pump check valve
Implementation Method 3
The valve may be a solenoid valve
Implementation Method 4
installation of the spin-on filters upside-down to their usual orientation... may result in some draining of the filter element by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filter system has at least one filter having a filter head removable filter element, the filter being oriented inverted. A first filter drain check valve is provided with its inlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the at least one filter, and a second filter drain check valve is provided with its inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the at least one filter. A filter outlet check valve is provided with its inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one filter head. An openable valve is provided in fluid communication with the outlets of the first and second filter drain check valves. A drain pump is provided with its intake in fluid communication with the valve. A drain pump check valve is included with its inlet in fluid communication with the output of the drain pump and an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the filter outlet check valve.