Pulse-Cleaned Air Filter Layout for Sustained Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air filter systems face inefficiencies in particulate matter removal and cleaning, leading to inhibited airflow and the need for periodic manual cleaning, which can be costly and disruptive.

Innovation Solution

The integration of pulse generators and collectors within the air filter system, optimizing the distance and alignment between pulse generators and filter elements, along with diverging pulse guides, to enhance the removal of particulate matter using pressurized air pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter elements are used to capture particulate matter, then air cleaning effectiveness is improved, but airflow is inhibited over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidairflow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic pulse cleaning cycles where pressurized air is injected into filter elements at predetermined intervals to dislodge accumulated particulate matter. This periodic action restores airflow without requiring continuous intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining cleaning effectiveness and preserving airflow productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic pulse cleaning system enables the filter elements to self-clean without manual intervention. The controller automatically detects when cleaning is needed and activates the pulse generators, allowing the system to maintain itself and resolve the airflow inhibition problem while preserving cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual cleaning is performed periodically, then airflow is restored, but operational disruptions and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveairflowVSAvoidoperational disruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic pulse cleaning system eliminates the need for manual cleaning operations by enabling self-cleaning functionality. The controller automatically manages the cleaning process, restoring airflow without operational disruptions and eliminating the time loss associated with manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated pneumatic pulse cleaning system. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically clean filter elements, thereby removing operational disruptions and time losses while maintaining airflow productivity.

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

3Productivity

If pulse generators are integrated into the filter system, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pulse generators, pulse collectors, and controller are integrated into a unified pulse cleaning system that is incorporated within the existing filter housing structure. This merging approach improves cleaning efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating components into a coordinated system rather than adding separate independent units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design improves the efficiency of particulate matter removal, reducing the frequency of manual cleaning and maintaining airflow, thereby enhancing system performance and reducing operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a pulse generator (50) aligned with the tube sheet opening (232) and the filter element opening (245). The pulse generator (50) delivers a pulse of pressurized air along a pulse axis (251) that passes through the tube sheet aperture (228), the tube sheet opening (232) and into the interior volume (241) of the filter element (240)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized air pulse: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4464397B1Air filter systems and methods of using the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 DONALDSON CO INC
  • EP4464397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464397B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4464397B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The air filter systems described herein include one or more pulse collectors and pulse generators aligned along pulse axes. The pulse generators and filter elements may be arranged along a pulse distance as measured from a pulse outlet to a filter element opening. The pulse collectors and the filter elements may have openings with a relationship between them within parameters described herein. The pulse collectors may have a relationship between their hydraulic diameter and their length within parameters described herein. The pulse collectors may include a filter section and a pulse section that meet at a junction along a length of the pulse collector. The pulse sections may have a hydraulic diameter that increases when moving from the junction to the tube sheet opening of the pulse section. The filter sections may have a hydraulic diameter that remains constant when moving from the junction to the filter end opening of the filter section. Filter elements/cartridges used in the air filter systems may have filter media shaped or formed into ovate cross-sections