Rotary Filter Assembly Venting for Easier Vessel Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies for internal combustion engines face challenges in easy maintenance and fluid drainage, leading to difficulties in removing and servicing the rotary vessel without spilling or losing fluid, due to residual fluid forming a seal between components.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a valve assembly that moves between closed and open configurations, allowing air to flow into the rotary vessel when closed, breaking the fluid seal and facilitating easier removal and drainage of the rotary vessel by connecting the rotary vessel inlet to the drain through a fluid passageway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve assembly is in the closed configuration to seal the rotary vessel inlet, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved, but air cannot enter the rotary vessel to break the fluid seal during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and air intake function are segmented into different pathways: the valve assembly provides fluid-tight sealing through its closure configuration, while a separate service air passageway provides air access to the rotary vessel inlet for maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
Service air is introduced as an intermediary substance through the service air passageway to break the fluid seal within the rotary vessel, enabling maintenance operations without requiring complete disassembly or draining of the system
2Reliability
If the valve assembly remains closed to maintain fluid seal, then fluid containment is improved, but residual fluid cannot drain from the rotary vessel
Solution Approach 1:
Service air is introduced in advance through the service air passageway to break the fluid seal and create a pathway for residual fluid to drain from the rotary vessel before maintenance operations begin
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed service air is used to pneumatically break the fluid seal and facilitate the drainage of residual fluid from the rotary vessel, utilizing pneumatic pressure to overcome the sealing force of the retained fluid
3Ease of operation
If pressure equalization is achieved through air flow, then ease of rotary vessel removal is improved, but the valve assembly must be bypassed for air access
Solution Approach 1:
The service air passageway serves multiple functions: it provides air access to the rotary vessel inlet for pressure equalization, facilitates fluid drainage, and enables maintenance operations without requiring modification of the main valve assembly or process fluid pathways
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
Enables easier removal of the rotary vessel by breaking the fluid seal and allowing remaining fluid to drain, reducing the risk of spillage and simplifying the maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
the valve assembly is moveable from the closed configuration to the open configuration when a pressure of a fluid flowing into the housing inlet exceeds a threshold pressure
Implementation Method 2
biasing device configured to bias the valve body toward a first position in which the valve assembly is in the closed configuration
Implementation Method 3
a fluid passageway arranged to permit air flow into the rotary vessel through the rotary vessel inlet when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly has a housing with a housing inlet and a drain. A rotary vessel is rotatably mounted within the housing and has a rotary vessel inlet and a rotary vessel outlet. Fluid exiting the rotary vessel outlet exits the housing through the drain. A valve assembly moveable between a closed and an open configuration is provided. When closed, the valve assembly fluid-tightly seals rotary vessel inlet from housing inlet. When open, the rotary vessel inlet is in fluid communication with the housing inlet such that fluid flowing into the housing inlet passes into the rotary vessel inlet. The valve assembly is moveable from closed to open configuration when a pressure of fluid flowing into the housing inlet exceeds a threshold pressure. The filter assembly has a fluid passageway permitting air flow into the rotary vessel through the rotary vessel inlet when the valve assembly is closed.