Recirculation Loop Fluid Conditioning System for Engine Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filtration systems for reciprocating internal combustion engines are too bulky and expensive for certain applications, and conventional approaches to improving filtration performance do not adequately address debris removal within spatial packaging and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conditioning system with a recirculation loop that includes a recirculation pump operating at a higher flow rate than a delivery pump, where the recirculation pump is fluidly coupled to a reservoir and a delivery pump, and a recirculation filter, allowing for multiple passes through the recirculation filter to enhance debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used to remove debris from engine fluids, then filtration performance is improved, but the system becomes too bulky and expensive for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between recirculation mode (high flow rate through filter) and delivery mode (normal operating flow), allowing the filter to be smaller and less expensive while achieving the same total debris removal capability through multiple passes
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump continuously circulates fluid through the filter at high flow rates between delivery cycles, ensuring continuous debris removal without interrupting the engine's normal fluid delivery requirements
2Productivity
If the recirculation pump operates at a higher flow rate than the delivery pump, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two distinct functions: a recirculation pump dedicated to high-flow filtration and a delivery pump dedicated to normal fluid delivery, allowing each pump to be optimized for its specific task rather than requiring one oversized pump to handle both functions
3Reliability
If a recirculation loop is added to the filtration system, then filtration performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation loop is merged with the existing delivery system by integrating the recirculation pump and filter into the fluid circuit, allowing both recirculation and delivery functions to operate from a unified system architecture rather than as separate independent systems
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 configuration improves filtration performance by maintaining a higher flow rate through the recirculation pump, ensuring effective debris removal and extending the life and operability of engine components while meeting packaging and cost constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculation pump configured to operate at a flow rate that is higher than a flow rate of the delivery pump
Implementation Method 2
a recirculation loop including a recirculation filter, an inlet of the recirculation filter being fluidly coupled to the second conduit, and an outlet of the recirculation filter being fluidly coupled to the first conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conditioning system includes a recirculation pump fluidly coupled to a reservoir via a first conduit; a delivery pump fluidly coupled in series with the recirculation pump, such that an outlet of the recirculation pump is fluidly coupled to an inlet of the delivery pump via a second conduit; and a recirculation loop including a recirculation filter, an inlet of the recirculation filter being fluidly coupled to the second conduit, and an outlet of the recirculation filter being fluidly coupled to the first conduit. The recirculation pump is configured to operate at a flow rate that is higher than a flow rate of the delivery pump.