Reusable Oil Filter Cleaning Assembly with Rotating Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable oil filters are not widely adopted due to the lack of a reliable and efficient cleaning system, with existing methods being time-consuming and labor-intensive, making recycling inefficient and inconvenient for do-it-yourselfers.
Innovation Solution
A portable cleaning assembly comprising a housing, a mount, and a pressurizing spraying assembly that allows for the efficient cleaning of reusable filters using pressurized air and water, with a method involving mounting the filter element, connecting air and water supplies, and causing relative movement between the filter and the spray to clean the filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning methods (bucket, toothbrush, hose) are used, then cleaning can be performed with simple tools, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system employs a rotatable mount that allows dynamic positioning of the spraying assembly, enabling the filter element to be cleaned by rotation rather than manual handling. This dynamic mechanism reduces labor intensity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressurized fluid spray nozzles to automatically clean the filter element surface. The hydraulic spray mechanism replaces manual brushing and rinsing, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while reducing human labor requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable filters are cleaned and reused, then environmental waste is reduced, but the lack of efficient cleaning systems makes the process inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing users to easily clean filter elements at home without requiring specialized facilities. The self-service nature of the portable cleaner makes filter recycling convenient and accessible to do-it-yourselfers
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is designed to accommodate different filter element sizes and types through adjustable components and a versatile spraying mechanism. This universal design makes the system convenient for various applications while promoting widespread adoption of reusable filters
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable cleaning assembly is designed, then the system becomes self-contained and movable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with the spraying assembly storing inside the housing and various components fitting together compactly. This nesting arrangement maintains portability while managing structural complexity through space-efficient design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components - the housing serves as both storage and structural support, the mount provides both positioning and rotation mechanisms, and the spraying assembly integrates nozzles and fluid delivery. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining portability
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 provides a more efficient and less labor-intensive method for cleaning reusable oil filters, improving their recyclability and reducing environmental impact by allowing for safe disposal of cleaned filters.
Implementation Method 1
The pressurizing spraying assembly causes relative movement between the filter and the spray to clean the filter element
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning assembly for reusable filters comprises a housing and a pressurizing spraying assembly that receives a filter element to be cleaned. The pressurizing spraying assembly can be secured in position relative to the housing using a mount. The mount can pivot about a pivot axis between a storage position and a use position. The pivot axis can be aligned with a handle axis about which a handle is attached to the housing. The housing can collect runoff from a cleaning operation.