Oval Modular In-Tank Filter Assembly for Low Profile Reservoirs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-tank filter assemblies face challenges with non-standard reservoir shapes, requiring a low profile design that is both cost-effective and efficient, with a ratio of circumference to height greater than 6.3, and a high surface area to height ratio, typically exceeding 2500 cm2/in, to accommodate space optimization in fluid systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular, low-profile, inside-out flow in-tank filter assembly with spaced endcaps, a tank bushing for mounting, and a bypass valve, featuring a universal alignment and coupling structure, clip engagement, and a cup-shaped bypass dish with springs, allowing for selective bypass and efficient flow management, with a ratio of circumference to height of at least 10:1 and a surface area to height ratio of up to 4500 cm2/in.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional filter element designs are used, then the filter assembly provides adequate filtration capacity, but the profile height is excessive for non-standard reservoirs with space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element transitions from a conventional cylindrical shape to an oval cross-section shape, utilizing the third dimension (cross-sectional geometry) to increase surface area while reducing height. This dimensional change allows the filter to achieve low profile (height-to-circumference ratio >6.3) while maintaining or increasing filtration capacity through the expanded surface area of the oval configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the filter element by adopting an oval cross-section with specific dimensional relationships (minor axis to major axis ratio between 0.5:1 and 0.8:1). This parameter change optimizes the surface area to height ratio, achieving the required low profile while maintaining adequate filtration capacity through increased effective filtering surface area.
2Length of moving object
If the filter element height is reduced to achieve low profile, then space requirements are met, but the surface area available for filtration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from a cylindrical to an oval cross-section geometry, the filter element exploits additional dimensional space within the constrained height. The oval shape provides increased surface area per unit height compared to a cylinder, allowing the filter to maintain adequate filtration area while achieving the required low profile configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element employs a composite structure combining the oval-shaped filter media with integrated endcaps and support structures. This composite design maximizes the use of available space, ensuring that the filter media surface area is optimized within the constrained height while maintaining structural integrity and low profile dimensions.
3Length of moving object
If a low profile design is implemented, then the filter fits non-standard reservoirs, but the assembly complexity increases due to modular components and coupling structures
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into modular components (filter elements, endcaps, coupling structures) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for low profile dimensions while maintaining overall assembly functionality, and enables easier integration into non-standard reservoir configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structures and endcaps are designed with universal features that can accommodate different filter element configurations and reservoir types. This universality reduces overall assembly complexity by using standardized interfaces rather than custom-fitted components, allowing the low profile design to be adapted to various non-standard reservoirs without increasing structural complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and adaptable filter assembly that meets the low profile requirements, ensuring effective filtration and flow management in non-standard reservoirs with a high surface area to height ratio, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
springs acting upon the cup shaped bypass dish biasing the dish toward selectively closing the peripheral radial outlet of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile, large diameter, oval shaped, modular, inside out flow in-tank filter assembly includes at least one filter element having spaced first and second identical endcaps each with a central opening there through and filter media extending between the endcaps. The filter assembly includes a tank bushing coupled to the central opening of one endcap of at least one filter element on one end of the assembly, wherein the tank bushing is configured to mount the inside out flow in-tank filter assembly to a return line within a reservoir. The filter assembly includes a bypass valve coupled to the central opening of one endcap of at least one filter element on one end of the assembly, wherein the bypass valve is configured to allow flow to selectively bypass the filter media of each filter element. Further, each endcap includes a universal alignment and coupling structure around the central opening.