Rotatable Filter Lamellae With Intermediate Cleaning Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing step filter design with rectangular or oval filter lamellae experiences partial overlap, leading to gaps that are not effectively cleaned during rotation, causing blockages and potential malfunctions due to solid matter accumulation, especially on the last lamella axis which lacks effective self-cleaning.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a rotatable auxiliary axis with cleaning lamellae positioned below the last lamella axis, and intermediate lamellae that extend between the filter lamellae to minimize the gap and facilitate effective cleaning, along with flow guides to manage flow pressure and reduce impurity penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rectangular or oval filter lamellae are used in successive lamella axes, then the filter structure can be compact and efficient, but the filter lamellae only overlap partly during rotation, leaving gaps that are not effectively cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidgap cleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into multiple functional segments: primary filter lamellae for filtration, intermediate lamellae for gap sealing, and cleaning lamellae for removing impurities. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the cleaning lamellae specifically dedicated to addressing the gap cleaning problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate lamellae are introduced as intermediary elements between the primary filter lamellae and the axis of rotation. These intermediate lamellae extend into the gaps to seal them during rotation, preventing impurity accumulation and ensuring complete cleaning of the filter gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the distance between lamella axes is reduced to improve compactness, then the filter occupies less space, but the plates cannot rotate freely and may contact adjacent axes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter footprintVSAvoidlamella rotation freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging lamella axes at different heights and introducing an inclined axis configuration. This three-dimensional arrangement allows plates to rotate freely without contacting adjacent axes while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamically adjustable lamella positions and rotation speeds. The plates are designed to rotate freely on their axes with controlled clearance, allowing adaptive movement that prevents contact with adjacent axes while maintaining compact spacing between axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If filter lamellae rotate at high speed to increase throughput, then more material can be processed, but impurities may wedge the lamellae apart causing bending and malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial throughputVSAvoidlamella structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cleaning lamellae are positioned to remove impurities from filter surfaces before the main filtration process begins or before impurities can accumulate to problematic levels. This preliminary cleaning action prevents impurity wedging and maintains lamella integrity during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter system incorporates self-cleaning capabilities where cleaning lamellae automatically remove impurities from the filter surfaces during normal operation. This self-service mechanism maintains structural integrity without requiring external intervention, even during high-speed throughput operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the cleaning efficiency of the filter gaps, improves filtering results by ensuring all impurities pass through the filter lamellae, and stiffens the filter pack, preventing malfunctions and maintaining effective filtration.

Implementation Method 1

said cleaning lamellae being arranged to extend to the gaps between the filter lamellae of the last lamella axis in the direction of motion of the material to be filtered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

whereby a liquid or material to be filtered is arranged to pass between the filter lamellae

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2274063B1Filter device comprising rotatable filter lamellae.
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 RML TEKNIIKKA
  • EP2274063B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2274063B1 patent drawingFigure 2~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter device comprising a frame (2), rotatable lamella axes (4) positioned at the frame (2) at a distance from one another, filter lamellae (6) positioned on the lamella axes (4) next to one another at a distance and arranged in such a manner that the filter lamellae (6) on the adjacent lamella axes (4) are arranged to overlap at least partly, whereby a liquid or material to be filtered is arranged to pass between the filter lamellae (6). Intermediate lamellae (5) are mounted in the gaps between the adjacent filter lamellae (6) to provide a distance between the adjacent filter lamellae (6) and to clean the gap between the adjacent filter lamellae (6).