Assembly comprising a boiler and a magnetic sludge separator filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic sludge separator filters require vertical installation due to their large vertical volume, limiting their use with recessed boilers, and manual cleaning is cumbersome and difficult for non-expert users.

Innovation Solution

A boiler-filter assembly with a magnetic sludge separator filter that can operate in both horizontal and vertical positions, utilizing a three-way valve assembly that reduces vertical volume and allows for easy cleaning by counter-current flow, enabling installation next to boilers in small compartments and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter is designed with a large vertical volume to enable downward water flow for residue removal, then the filtration function is improved, but the installation space requirement increases and vertical installation is mandatory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidvertical volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the installation orientation from vertical to horizontal by redirecting the water flow path. The three-way valve redirects water to exit through the first mouth rather than flowing downward, allowing the filter to be installed horizontally in compact spaces while maintaining effective filtration and residue removal capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the filter requires vertical installation with large vertical volume, then gravity-based residue removal is effective, but the adaptability to different installation locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue removal efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a three-way valve that dynamically redirects water flow based on operational needs. During filtration, water flows through the drum; during cleaning, the valve redirects water to exit through the first mouth, creating a dynamic cleaning system that works effectively in horizontal installation without requiring gravity-based downward flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual cleaning requires magnet extraction and complex operations, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service cleaning by using the water system's own pressurized water to automatically clean the drum and remove residues. The three-way valve redirects water flow to create an automatic cleaning cycle that eliminates the need for manual magnet extraction and complex cleaning operations, making maintenance simple and thorough

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables flexible installation around recessed boilers and simplifies cleaning, making the system user-friendly and space-efficient, allowing for effective filtration and residue removal without the need for extensive vertical space.

Implementation Method 1

A magnet (120) is disposed in the empty cylinder (102) to attract the ferrous residues.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the filter must be installed in vertical position in order to generate a downward water flow that is ejected by gravity and carries away the residues from the filter (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3574266B1Assembly comprising a boiler and a magnetic sludge separator filter
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 CI FA SRL
  • EP3574266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3574266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3574266B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A boiler-filter assembly (200) comprising a boiler (9) and a filter (1) comprising: a cylindrical body (10) with a first mouth (13) and a second mouth (14) connected to the boiler (9), a pipe (2) disposed in the body (10), a magnet (20) inserted in the pipe (2), a drum (3) and a three way valve (8); said three way valve (8) comprises: a first port (80) connected to the first mouth (13) of the body (10), a second port (81) connected to the water system, a third discharge port (82) and a diverter (83) that closes the second port (81) or the third port (82) of the three way valve (8).