Air Filtration Assembly With Shiftable Filter Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum operated waste collection systems require frequent interruptions for filter cleaning, leading to energy losses and potential system malfunctions due to clogged filters.

Innovation Solution

An improved assembly with a shiftable member and air filtering elements in the air evacuation duct allows for continuous operation and self-cleaning, enabling uninterrupted waste transport and efficient air filtering by positioning gate or duct blocking portions to control vacuum air flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter units are provided inside or in immediate association with the container for filtering air evacuated from the container, then the fans and blowers are protected and effective operation is secured, but the entire system operation must be interrupted during cleaning of the filter elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan protectionVSAvoidsystem interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is divided into a fixed housing portion and a movable filter element portion. The filter element can be independently removed and cleaned without affecting the housing or requiring system shutdown, allowing continuous operation while maintaining fan protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is designed to be pre-positioned in the housing and automatically sealed upon insertion. This preliminary positioning allows the filter to be quickly installed or replaced without requiring precise alignment during system operation, enabling rapid maintenance without full system interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If filter elements are cleaned frequently or at regular intervals, then excessive energy losses and severe malfunction are prevented, but system operation is repeatedly interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss reductionVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the housing. This allows the filter to be cleaned or replaced independently without shutting down the entire system, thereby preventing energy losses from clogged filters while minimizing operational time loss through quick maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element design incorporates features that facilitate self-cleaning or easy maintenance by operators. The removable structure allows quick access for cleaning without requiring system shutdown, enabling frequent maintenance to prevent energy losses while minimizing operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If clogged filters are not cleaned, then continuous operation is maintained, but excessive energy losses and severe malfunction occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The removable filter element enables continuous filtering action without system shutdown. The filter can be quickly cleaned or replaced during operation, ensuring continuous air filtration and preventing the energy losses associated with clogged filters while maintaining uninterrupted waste transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is designed for preliminary positioning with automatic sealing features, allowing rapid installation of pre-cleaned filters. This enables quick replacement during operation to prevent energy losses from clogging while maintaining continuous system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for uninterrupted waste transport during filter cleaning, reduces energy losses, and minimizes the risk of system stoppages by enabling continuous air filtration and efficient vacuum air flow control.

Implementation Method 1

a control means (12) is installed in the housing with a shiftable member (13) intersecting the inner housing passage, the shiftable member (13) having one or more air filtering elements (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The shiftable member is linearly displaceable in a direction generally transversal to the inner passage in the assembly housing for positioning a selected gate portion or a duct blocking portion in line with and intersecting the inner passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3580149B1Air filtration
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 EHNVAK AB
  • EP3580149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3580149B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3580149B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In an assembly (10) for controlling filtering of vacuum air flow (AF) evacuated from a system storage container (2) through an air evacuation duct (4) in vacuum operated waste collection systems (1), an assembly housing (11) is installed stationary in the air evacuation duct with an inner passage in the assembly housing communicating with the air evacuation duct, a control means (12) is installed in the assembly housing with a shiftable member intersecting the inner passage in the housing, whereby the shiftable member has one or more air filtering elements and the air filtering element(s) being movable in a direction generally transversal to the inner passage in the assembly housing.