Self-Cleaning Filter With Rotating Scraper For Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cleaning filters for liquids waste a significant amount of liquid along with the unwanted residues, requiring additional filtration and separation devices, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning filter design with a body comprising two superimposed chambers and a flat filter medium, where the closing element with a scraper can rotate to remove residues without wasting liquid, and can be used as both a filter and a separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional self-cleaning filters are used to eliminate residues, then residues are removed from the liquid, but a moderate amount of liquid is wasted together with the residues
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber for filtration and a second chamber for residue accumulation. The filter medium separates these chambers, allowing liquid to pass through to the second chamber while residues are retained and scraped off, preventing liquid waste
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (liquid waste) is extracted and eliminated from the system by designing the second chamber to collect and retain liquid separately from residues. The scraping mechanism removes only residues while the liquid remains in the second chamber for return to the process
2Loss of substance
If additional filtration devices are added downstream to recover liquid, then liquid recovery is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it filters liquid in the first chamber, separates residues in the second chamber, accumulates residues for removal, and retains liquid for return to process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate downstream filtration and separation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration function and liquid separation/recovery function are merged into a single device. The two-chamber design combines filtering, separation, accumulation, and liquid retention in one integrated system, reducing overall system complexity
3Loss of substance
If decantation tanks or drums are used to separate liquid from residues, then liquid separation is improved, but footprint and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter transitions from a horizontal arrangement (separate tanks or drums placed side by side) to a vertical arrangement (stacked chambers). The first chamber is positioned above the second chamber, utilizing vertical space to achieve the same separation function in a compact footprint
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 filter effectively separates and eliminates unwanted material without wasting liquid, reducing the need for additional filtration devices and minimizing maintenance and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a scraper element adapted to remain in contact with the filter medium during the movement of the closing element in the section of the cleaning path
Implementation Method 2
a flat filter medium... The two first and second chambers are substantially superimposed and communicating with each other by means of a flat filter medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-cleaning filter (1) for liquids comprising a body (10) that includes a first chamber (20), with an inlet (14) for a liquid to be filtered, and a second chamber (30), with a liquid outlet (33), wherein the two chambers are substantially superimposed and communicating by means of a flat filter medium (40), wherein the first chamber (20) is in communication with a discharge passage (26) for elimination of unwanted material, said discharge passage being closed by a closing element (50) mounted rotatably in the first chamber (20), and wherein at least one scraper element (60) is connected to the closing element (50) and is in contact with the filter medium (40) so that, following rotation, said scraper element (60) can remove any accumulation of unwanted material that has deposited on the filter medium (40) and convey it toward the discharge passage (26).