Reusable Oil Filter Valve Assembly for In-Place Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil filters require frequent replacement, incurring significant costs and downtime due to the need for labor, disposal, and transportation, which can be mitigated by developing a reusable oil filter that can be cleaned and reused without disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A reusable oil filter system with a housing, filter element, valve assembly, and blocking member that allows for purging, evacuation, and refilling operations, enabling the filter to be cleaned and reused by reversing the oil flow and using cleaning fluids to dislodge trapped particles, thereby extending the filter's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional oil filter is used, then the filter element can be easily manufactured and installed, but the filter must be frequently replaced due to clogging, incurring labor, disposal, and transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recoverable filter element design where the filter element can be removed from the housing, cleaned of trapped particles, and reused. This applies the discarding and recovering principle by enabling the filter element to be recovered (cleaned and reused) rather than discarded after a single use, thereby reducing replacement frequency and associated downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a separate, removable component from the filter housing, allowing it to be independently accessed, removed, and cleaned. This segmentation enables the filter element to be maintained separately from the housing structure, facilitating easier recovery and reuse without replacing the entire filter assembly
2Device complexity
If a conventional oil filter is used, then the structure is simple, but the filter element becomes clogged over time requiring replacement and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed to be removable and cleanable, allowing it to be recovered and reused multiple times. This reduces waste by preventing the filter element from being discarded after a single use, while the added complexity of removable connections and cleaning access points is minimal
3Loss of substance
If the filter element is made reusable with removal capability, then waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented as a separate removable component from the housing, enabling it to be independently accessed and cleaned. This segmentation achieves reusability with minimal added complexity by using simple mechanical connections rather than integrated permanent mounting
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 system reduces the frequency of filter replacements, minimizing costs and downtime by allowing for efficient cleaning and reuse, thus providing long-term savings and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The valve assembly is configured to selectively control (1) delivery of a cleaning fluid to a clean side of the filter, (2) delivery of new oil to a dirty side of the filter and (3) evacuation of dirty oil from the dirty side of the filter
Implementation Method 2
delivery of a cleaning fluid to a clean side of the filter... delivery of new oil to a dirty side of the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a reuseable oil filter, a first port, a second port and a valve assembly. The reuseable oil filter has an inlet and an outlet, and includes a housing and a filter element positioned within the housing. The valve assembly is in selective fluid communication with the reuseable oil filter, the first port and the second port.