Multi-Layer Porous Filter with Compression Self-Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filtration methods face issues with clogged filters due to residue accumulation, requiring frequent washing and additional equipment, leading to short operating lifespan and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer filter structure comprising a porous filter film with smaller holes and a water-absorbing film with larger holes, where the water-absorbing film compresses to drain liquid and rinse the filter, reducing residue blockage and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a filter with smaller holes is used to intercept larger solids, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the filter holes are easily blocked by separated solids, reducing operating lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidoperating lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple layers with different hole sizes. The first layer has larger holes that prevent clogging, while the second layer has smaller holes that provide fine separation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and operating lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first porous film acts as an intermediary layer between the mixed solution and the second porous film. It pre-filters the solution by intercepting large solids before they reach the second film with smaller holes, preventing clogging of the fine filtration layer while maintaining high separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the filter holes are washed to remove blocked residue, then the filtering ability is refreshed, but additional equipment and process are required, increasing operating costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering abilityVSAvoidadditional equipment and process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of washing the filter from the normal filtration direction, the patent inverts the filtration direction for cleaning. Liquid is introduced from the bottom side of the second porous film, flowing upward to rinse and remove blocked residue from the filter holes, eliminating the need for additional washing equipment and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter structure enables self-cleaning by using the filtration system itself to remove blocked residue. The inverted filtration process allows the filter to clean itself without external washing equipment, reducing device complexity and operating costs while maintaining reliable filtering ability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a high speed-rotating pump is used to produce compressing or vacuuming process, then the filtering speed is increased, but more energy is consumed, increasing operating costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with a capillary force-based filtration system. The porous films with specific pore sizes and surface properties generate capillary forces that drive liquid through the filter without requiring high-speed rotating pumps, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high filtering speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the filtration system by using porous films with specific pore diameter ranges (first holes: 0.003-0.457 cm, second holes: 0.0003-0.003 cm) and controlling surface tension properties. These parameter changes enable capillary-driven flow that achieves high filtering speed without mechanical pumping, reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the first porous film and water-absorbing film compress to drain liquid and rinse the second porous film, then residue blockage is removed, but compressing force is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating lifespanVSAvoidcompressing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic compression and decompression cycles of the porous films. During compression, liquid is drained and residue is removed from the second porous film. During decompression, the films return to their original state, ready for the next filtration cycle. This periodic action extends operating lifespan by preventing permanent blockage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The compression process discards accumulated residue and liquid from the filter system, while the decompression process recovers the filter's original structure and filtration capacity. This discarding and recovering cycle maintains long-term filter performance by continuously removing blockages without permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 filter structure achieves efficient separation with extended lifespan and reduced power consumption by using capillary forces and gravity to enhance filtration speed and prevent clogging, eliminating the need for high-speed pumps.

Implementation Method 1

using capillary forces and gravity to enhance filtration speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

compressing the first porous film and the film capable of absorbing water by a compressing force to drain out the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

A filter having smaller holes is used to intercept larger solids. The smaller solid and liquid particles pass through the holes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

using capillary forces and gravity to enhance filtration speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9254455B2Method for filtering
Publication Date: 2016.02.09 IND TECH RES INST
  • US9254455B2 patent drawing
  • US9254455B2 patent drawing
  • US9254455B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a filter structure. A second porous film having a plurality of second holes is disposed on a first porous film having a plurality of first holes. The second holes are smaller than the first holes. The filter structure is dried by an easy and power-saving method such as compression.