Inverted Suction Tube Filter for Urea Tank Bubble Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction tube filter arrangements for fluid tanks, particularly those containing urea solutions, are prone to gas bubble ingress and are costly due to complex designs and high material costs.

Innovation Solution

A suction tube filter arrangement where the suction tube is partially or fully enclosed within a filter member that extends along the suction tube direction, forming a lens-shaped cross-section, with integrated fixation means and connection ports made from plastic, allowing gas bubbles to ascend and preventing frozen solution blockage, and featuring an adjustable length for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter member is arranged at a lower end of the suction tube to protect the inlet opening, then debris and frozen solution are prevented from entering the suction tube, but gas bubbles from inside the filter member may enter the suction tube together with solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of debris and frozen solution entryVSAvoidgas bubble ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction tube is inverted and arranged inside the filter member, with the open end of the suction tube facing upward. This inversion allows gas bubbles to rise away from the suction tube inlet through the filter member, preventing gas bubble ingress while maintaining debris and frozen solution filtration at the lower end of the suction tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If complex support structures and heating coils are used to surround the suction tube, then the filter arrangement is stable and frozen solution is prevented, but the arrangement becomes cost-intensive to produce and service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of frozen solution blockageVSAvoidproduction and service cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The suction tube, fixation means, and connection ports are merged into a single integrated component formed as one piece from plastic material. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate support structures and reduces assembly complexity, making the arrangement cost-effective to produce and service while maintaining reliability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction tube and connection components are formed from plastic material instead of traditional metals, changing the material parameter to reduce production cost and improve ease of manufacture while maintaining the necessary structural integrity and thermal properties for preventing frozen solution blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for the suction tube, fixation means, and connection ports, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall arrangement becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidnumber of parts and assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction tube, fixation means, and connection ports are combined into a single monolithically formed component. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, simplifying the overall arrangement while maintaining the functional optimization of each feature through integrated design during the molding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively prevents gas bubble ingress, reduces material costs, and allows for early melting of frozen solutions within the tank, enabling continuous pumping even in freezing conditions, while being compact and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

the solution inside the space which is surrounded by the heating coil is generally heated up earlier than the solution outside said space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The filter member extending along the suction may allow gas bubbles to ascend inside the filter member away from an inlet opening of the suction tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3685899B1Suction tube filter arrangement and fluid tank system for a fluid tank

Publication Date: 2022.12.21 TE CONNECTIVITY NORGE AS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a suction tube filter arrangement (1) for a fluid tank (55), in particular for a fluid tank (55) containing urea solution (57). In order to improve a suction tube filter arrangement and to reduce costs, the arrangement (1) according to the invention comprises at least one suction tube (3) which defines a suction tube direction (S), and at least one filter member (5), wherein the suction tube (3) is at least partially arranged inside the filter member (5) and wherein the filter member (5) extends along the suction tube direction (S). Due to the arrangement (1) according to the invention, the suction of air bubbles into the suction tube (3) may be reduced or even prevented.