Fluid Strainer Basket and Lid Interlock for Fast Servicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strainer devices require multiple bolts for assembly, leading to time-consuming servicing and excessive back pressure due to inadequate flow paths and turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A fluid strainer with a single strainer basket and a mechanical interlock mechanism, utilizing pneumatic pressure for sealing and a tab-and-slot arrangement to secure the lid, minimizing the need for fasteners and enhancing fluid flow while reducing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the strainer housing cover, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the servicing time and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the mechanical fastening function. The housing cover is divided into a sealing portion and a fastening portion, allowing independent optimization of each function without requiring multiple bolts for both sealing and securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the bolted connection system and implemented through a dedicated sealing structure (such as a lip seal or gasket system) that operates independently from the single retaining bolt, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the strainer housing cover, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is merged with the housing cover itself, forming an integrated sealing system that eliminates the need for separate gaskets and multiple fasteners. The lip seal design incorporates the sealing function directly into the cover geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-bolt fastening system is replaced by extracting the essential function (securing the cover) and implementing it through a single retaining bolt, while the sealing function is handled by a dedicated sealing structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional strainer basket design is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the fluid flow path creates excessive turbulence and back pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer basket incorporates curved or tapered surfaces instead of sharp edges and abrupt transitions. The curved geometry guides fluid flow smoothly through the basket, reducing turbulence and back pressure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The strainer basket design applies different geometric characteristics to different regions: the inlet region features smooth curved surfaces to guide flow entry, the mid-section has optimized wire spacing and curvature for filtration, and the outlet region incorporates tapered surfaces to maintain flow velocity and reduce back pressure.
4Productivity
If the strainer chamber is not emptied frequently, then the productivity is maintained, but the back pressure increases and system failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism enables the strainer to be serviced quickly and easily, encouraging frequent emptying and maintenance. The system essentially services itself through simple operator intervention rather than requiring complex automated cleaning mechanisms.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient servicing by eliminating the need for multiple fasteners, reduces turbulence, and ensures a smooth fluid flow path.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic apparatus coupled to the interior chamber to provide a firm seal at the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid strainer that is meant to remove debris from the flow of fluid through a strainer and that includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports. The housing defines an interior chamber through which the fluid flows. The fluid strainer including a single strainer basked disposed within the housing chamber. The strainer basket has open input end into which the fluid flows from the housing inlet and opposed side walls that extend in the direction of the fluid. The strainer basked further includes an open output end that is comprised of a pair of tapered output wall that direct the fluid flow to the housing outlet port. The strainer housing also includes a side inlet pipe for receiving filtration media.