Split Rotor Centrifuge for Lubricating Oil Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free-jet centrifuges for cleaning lubricating oil in internal combustion engines face challenges such as complex and time-consuming maintenance, requiring sturdy and pressure-proof rotors due to hydraulic pressure, and difficulties in separating and reassembling the rotor parts, which complicates maintenance and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A free-jet centrifuge design where the drive part extends into the dirt trapping part, with all bearing components integrated into the drive part, allowing for simple axial movement for connection and disconnection, and secure positioning to prevent axial removal, enabling easy maintenance and reducing the need for additional bearings, thus simplifying the rotor design and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rotor is designed as a sturdy and pressure-proof structure to withstand full hydraulic pressure, then the rotor can handle the hydraulic pressure of the lubricating oil, but the weight and complexity of the rotor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into two separate parts: a drive part that withstands hydraulic pressure and a dirt trapping part that collects contaminants. This segmentation allows the drive part to be optimized for pressure resistance while the dirt trapping part can be lighter and simpler in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt trapping function is extracted as a separate detachable component from the pressure-resistant drive part. This allows the dirt trapping part to be designed without needing to withstand full hydraulic pressure, reducing its weight and complexity while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Reliability
If the two rotor parts are connected with a bayonet lock requiring torque application, then the connection is secure, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into simple axial engagement features rather than requiring complex torque-based bayonet locks. This allows the dirt trapping part to be quickly attached and detached from the drive part along the axial direction without requiring tools or complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a torque-based locking mechanism that requires twisting and tool assistance, the design inverts the approach by using simple axial sliding engagement with positive location features. This reverses the complexity from the connection mechanism to the engagement simplicity, enabling quick maintenance operations.
3Ease of repair
If the complete rotor must be removed from the housing for separating rotor parts, then the parts can be separated, but the maintenance process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is segmented into a stationary drive part that remains in the housing and a detachable dirt trapping part that can be removed independently. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and remove only the dirt trapping part without disturbing the drive part or removing the complete rotor assembly from the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt trapping part is extracted as a separate serviceable component that can be removed independently from the drive part. This extraction enables simplified maintenance where only the contaminant-collecting portion needs to be accessed and removed, leaving the pressure-resistant drive mechanism intact and in place.
4Reliability
If multiple screws are used to connect rotor parts, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented from multiple discrete screw fasteners to a unified axial engagement mechanism. This segmentation reduces the number of fastening operations required while maintaining secure connection through positive location features and axial clamping action along the entire interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate screw fastening operations are merged into a single axial engagement motion. The dirt trapping part is simultaneously positioned and secured to the drive part through one axial sliding motion, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening steps and significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time.
Data Source
AI summary
A free-jet centrifuge for the cleaning of lubricating oil comprising, a housing with a removable cover, a rotor rotatably arranged in the housing and with channels for feeding and removing the lubricating oil. The rotor is of split design with a drive part and a dirt trapping part which can each be flowed through by their own partial lubricating oil flow and which are designed with a torque transmission device which is engageable and disengageable. The dirt trapping part is separable from the drive part. A device is provided to prevent or restrict the axial mobility of the dirt trapping part relative to the drive part, which is ineffective or detachable when the cover is removed. The drive part extends from the bottom towards the top into the dirt trapping part or entirely through it. The drive part comprises all parts serving for the rotatable bearing of the rotor and the drive part is securely positioned against axial removal with an opened cover.