Parallel Strainer Element for Filling Port Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filling ports with screens disrupt fluid flow and cause turbulence, leading to premature shut-off and potential nozzle malfunction due to debris entrapment, as they impede the flow and allow debris to be splashed back into the nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A service port with a strainer element that extends downstream of the filling port, constructed of a porous material with a support assembly that minimizes the surface area normal to the flow path, and includes a debris trap element to catch debris while allowing fluid to flow efficiently, reducing the impact on flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple screen is attached to cover the outlet of the filling port to prevent debris from entering the tank, then debris prevention is improved, but fluid flow is disrupted and turbulence is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer element is oriented generally parallel to the flow direction rather than perpendicular to it, changing the dimensional orientation from blocking the flow path to allowing flow along its length. This reduces the surface area normal to the flow while maintaining debris filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strainer element is constructed of a porous material that allows fluid to pass through while trapping debris. The porous structure enables fluid permeation without requiring a solid barrier that would block flow, thus preventing debris entry while maintaining fluid flow rate.
2Reliability
If a screen normal to the flow path is used to catch debris, then debris filtration is improved, but turbulence is generated causing splashing and premature shut-off
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the strainer element parallel to the flow direction instead of perpendicular, the design eliminates the turbulence-generating interface that would otherwise be created by a screen blocking the flow path. Fluid flows along the strainer element rather than being forced through it, preventing splashing and maintaining smooth filling operation.
3Reliability
If a screen is used to block debris, then debris prevention is improved, but the screen causes turbulence that may splash debris back into the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The porous strainer element allows fluid to pass through while trapping debris in its porous structure. This prevents debris from being splashed back into the nozzle, as the porous material captures particles without creating the turbulence and splashing associated with solid screens blocking the flow path.
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 effectively filters debris from the fluid flow with minimal disruption to the filling process, preventing nozzle malfunctions and ensuring smooth fluid delivery by minimizing the surface area normal to the flow path and utilizing a debris trap to capture particles, thus enhancing the flow rate and reducing debris reintroduction.
Implementation Method 1
the strainer element is constructed of a porous material that is permeable to the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A service port for a tank that receives a fluid, the service port including a body having a first end and a second end, the body defining a bore that opens at the first end and second end of the body; a strainer attached to the second end of the body, the strainer including a strainer element that has a first end and a second end, and a pair of sides; wherein the strainer element is closed at the first end and open at the second end defining a strainer volume therebetween; the strainer element being permeable to liquid; wherein the second end of the strainer element is attached about the bore and wherein a wall of the strainer element extending from the second end of the strainer element toward the first end of the strainer element is oriented generally parallel to a flow direction of fluid.