Oil Reservoir Guide Element for Centrifugal Air Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil tanks in hydraulic systems often lack an integrated oil filter, leading to air bubbles entering the system, which can impair the cooling system and cause failures, and existing solutions with integrated filters are complex or not designed for combination with air separation methods.
Innovation Solution
An oil tank design featuring a plastic tank housing with an integrated oil filter and a guide element forming a circular path for the oil to separate air through centrifugal force, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation and ensuring air-free oil circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oil filter is integrated into the oil tank, then the system complexity is reduced and air separation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for separate encapsulation and complex guide structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oil filter and air separation function into a single integrated unit. The filter housing serves as both the filter container and the air separation chamber, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation structures. The guide elements are integrated directly into the filter housing, creating a unified component that performs multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains the filter element, provides air separation through integrated guide elements, and acts as the structural enclosure. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable air separation capability.
2Reliability
If guide devices are added to lengthen the oil path for air separation, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved guide elements that form a circular or spiral path for the oil flow. This curved geometry naturally lengthens the oil path within the limited space of the filter housing, enhancing air separation through centrifugal force while maintaining a compact design. The curved guides are simpler in form than complex multi-component guide systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements utilize the vertical and radial dimensions within the filter housing to create an extended air separation path. By arranging guides in multiple dimensions (not just a single linear path), the oil is forced through a longer curved path that maximizes air removal efficiency without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity.
3Reliability
If the oil filter is located completely below the oil level, then air absorption is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to separate encapsulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air separation function with the filter housing structure itself. The guide elements are integrated into the housing, creating a unified component that maintains the filter below the oil level while eliminating the need for separate encapsulation structures. This integration achieves air absorption prevention without the complexity of multiple separate components.
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
The integrated oil filter and guide element combination provides a simple and effective solution to prevent air bubbles from entering the hydraulic system, ensuring the oil tank functions without complex encapsulation and protecting the system from air contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the oil, after flowing through the oil filter and before leaving the oil tank via the oil outlet port or ports, is forced into a rotational movement to separate any air contained in it. Due to the centrifugal force thereby acting on the oil with any trapped air, the air is separated from the oil
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an oil reservoir comprising an oil inlet pipe and at least one oil outlet pipe for connection to a hydraulic system. Said oil reservoir consists of a reservoir housing and a reservoir cover connected to the housing base and comprises an integrated oil filter. An oil filler pipe is configured on the housing cover, as is known from conventional oil reservoirs, and can be closed by means of a cap. At least one guide element is arranged in the reservoir housing and is fastened to at least one inner wall of the reservoir housing and forms a circular guiding track for the oil. Once the oil has entered the oil reservoir and has passed the oil filter arranged therein, it is forced by the guiding track to perform a rotational movement before leaving the oil reservoir. Any air that is possibly trapped in the oil is thereby separated and can leave the oil reservoir through an air outlet opening.