Self-Cleaning Filter With Bypass Valve And Suction Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cleaning filters for liquids require a prefilter to remove larger particles, which increases system complexity and necessitates separate maintenance, disrupting the self-cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning filter design that uses a two-step cleaning process where brushes detach larger particles mechanically and a bypass valve allows coarse dirt to be removed directly, while subsequent suction through suction apertures handles finer particles, eliminating the need for a prefilter and simplifying hydraulic connections and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prefilter is added to remove larger particles, then the self-cleaning filter is protected from saturation, but the system complexity increases and separate maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the prefilter function with the main self-cleaning filter by integrating a first cleaning phase (for coarse particles) and a second cleaning phase (for fine particles) into a single unified device. The suction shoes with selective activation can operate in different modes to handle different particle sizes, eliminating the need for a separate prefilter unit and its associated discharge line.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction shoes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both coarse particle removal (when activated in first cleaning phase) and fine particle removal (when activated in second cleaning phase). This universal design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate prefilter and main filter units.
2Reliability
If a prefilter is added to remove larger particles, then the self-cleaning filter is protected from saturation, but maintenance operations require system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the prefilter and main filter into a single self-cleaning unit with unified discharge, the system enables continuous self-maintenance without shutdown. The integrated design allows both cleaning phases to operate sequentially within the same system, maintaining continuous flow and eliminating the need to stop operations for prefilter maintenance.
3Reliability
If two separate discharge lines are used for coarse and fine dirt, then complete cleaning is achieved, but the hydraulic connections and control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discharge lines for coarse and fine particles into a single unified discharge line. The suction shoes can selectively direct different particle types to the same discharge outlet through controlled activation sequences, simplifying the hydraulic architecture while maintaining effective separation and removal of all particle sizes.
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 efficient removal of both coarse and fine dirt through a single discharge line, reducing system complexity and maintaining continuous operation without the need for a prefilter, thus enhancing the self-cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
The shoes are each provided with a respective suction opening, capable of withdrawing dirt from the internal surface of the tubular element
Implementation Method 2
the rubbing carried out by the contact cleaning means, i.e., by the brushes, allows the larger dirt particles to be detached from the filter by mechanical action
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-cleaning filter (1) comprises a casing (21) having an inlet opening (2), a delivery opening (3) and a discharge opening (24) distinct from the delivery opening (3); a tubular filtering element (10) inserted in the casing (21) to be passed through by a fluid to be filtered, the tubular element (10) defines within the casing (21) an internal zone (22) and an external zone (23), the tubular element (10) further has an internal surface (10a) facing the internal zone (22); one or more cleaning elements (4) placed within the internal zone (22) and configured to rotate with respect to said longitudinal development direction (A), each cleaning element (4) comprises a suction aperture (5) facing the internal surface (10a) and placed in proximity to the internal surface (10a) to suck contaminant from the internal surface (10a), contact cleaning means (9) for rubbing on the internal surface (10a) and remove dirt from the internal surface (10a), the discharge opening (24) is placed in fluid communication with the suction apertures (5); a bypass valve (30) placed in parallel with said suction apertures (5) and which can be opened to put the internal zone (22) in direct fluid communication with the discharge opening (24).