Rotating Filter Cleaning for Thorough Pleat Contaminant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filters, such as those used in pools and spas, face challenges in removing contaminants like leaves, algae, and airborne particulates, leading to increased pressure and reduced longevity due to difficulty in cleaning pleats.
Innovation Solution
A filter cleaning apparatus with a rotating tubular mast and fluid stream system that allows filters to rotate relative to a fluid stream, facilitating efficient cleaning and reducing labor and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If filters are stationary during cleaning, then the cleaning structure is simple, but contaminants are difficult to remove from pleats and cleaning effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is made rotatable relative to the housing during the cleaning process. The rotatable support allows the filter to rotate about its longitudinal axis, enabling the fluid stream to access all pleats effectively. This dynamic element transforms a static cleaning system into an active one, dramatically improving cleaning effectiveness while adding only moderate structural complexity through the rotatable support mechanism.
2Productivity
If filters are cleaned manually, then labor cost is high and time consuming, but automated rotation mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluid stream itself to drive the rotation of the filter element. The force of the fluid stream contacting the filter pleats creates torque that automatically rotates the filter without requiring separate motors or actuators. This self-service approach achieves automated cleaning with minimal additional complexity, as the cleaning medium performs dual functions: cleaning and driving the rotation.
3Reliability
If filters are not rotated during cleaning, then the cleaning apparatus is simple, but filter pressure increases and longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support mechanism enables the filter element to rotate during cleaning, ensuring thorough removal of contaminants from all pleats. This dynamic rotation prevents pressure buildup and extends filter life by maintaining optimal filter performance. The structural complexity added is minimal, consisting mainly of the rotatable support and fluid distribution system.
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 apparatus effectively reduces filter pressure and extends filter longevity by enabling thorough cleaning of contaminants from pleats using a rotating filter design and fluid stream.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid stream can be directed on the filter to clean the filter rotating about the support rod
Implementation Method 2
the force of the stream of fluid directed on the filter rotates the tubular mast on the rod
Data Source
AI summary
A filter cleaning system including filter cleaning apparatus including a tubular mast rotatingly disposed on a support rod. One or more filter retainers adapted to retain a filter can be disposed on the tubular mast. A filter disposed on the tubular mast can rotate about the support rod. A fluid stream can be directed on the filter to clean the filter rotating about the support rod.