Centrifugal Separator Integrated Outlet Tube Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators for cleaning crankcase gases face challenges in achieving reliable sealing of the outlet tube, particularly in high-volume production, where hidden seals can be difficult to check and control, and manual assembly may damage O-ring seals.

Innovation Solution

The centrifugal separator design integrates the stationary insert and gas outlet tube as a single unit, eliminating the need for additional seals like O-rings, thereby enhancing sealing capacity and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If O-ring seals are used to seal the outlet tube, then sealing function is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet tube is merged with the stationary insert to form a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate O-ring seals between these two parts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sealing function through the integrated design itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If O-ring seals are used to seal the outlet tube, then sealing function is improved, but detection and quality control become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidseal detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the outlet tube and stationary insert into one component, the sealing function becomes inherent to the structure rather than dependent on hidden seals. This makes quality control and detection straightforward as there are no concealed seal elements to inspect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual assembly is used to install O-ring seals, then sealing function is improved, but production efficiency decreases and seal damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated outlet tube and stationary insert eliminate the need for manual seal installation. The single-component design allows for automated production processes, significantly improving productivity while eliminating the risk of manual damage to delicate seal elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves the sealing function of the centrifugal separator, reducing the risk of contaminants re-entering the cleaned gas and simplifying the assembly process, which is beneficial for both production efficiency and product reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a mixture of fluids having different densities may be separated from one another through use of a centrifugal separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a mixture of fluids having different densities may be separated from one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity-based separation: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4292715B1A centrifugal separator for cleaning gas
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 ALFDEX
  • EP4292715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4292715B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention provides a centrifugal separator (1) for cleaning gas containing contaminants. The centrifugal separator is comprising a stationary casing (2), enclosing a separation space (3) through which a gas flow is permitted, a gas inlet (20) extending through the stationary casing (2) and permitting supply of the gas to be cleaned, a rotating member (7) comprising a plurality of separation members (9) arranged in said separation space (3) and being arranged to rotate around an axis (X) of rotation. The separator (1) further comprises a gas outlet tube (28) arranged through the stationary casing (2) and configured to permit discharge of cleaned gas out from the stationary casing (2), a drainage outlet (29) arranged in the stationary casing (2) and configured to permit discharge of liquid contaminants that have been separated from the gas out from the stationary casing and a drive member (22) for rotating the rotating member (7). The centrifugal separator further comprises a stationary insert (30) arranged in the stationary casing (2) and configured for segregating cleaned gas and separated contaminants prior to the cleaned gas and separated contaminants exiting said stationary casing (2), and wherein said gas outlet tube (28) and said stationary insert (30) is formed as a single unit (50).