Suction Strainer Bubble Removal via Pleated Filtration and Float Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction strainers face challenges in removing bubbles from hydraulic oil, as they require separate bubble removing devices and can draw in fine bubbles or bubbles produced by filters, leading to inefficiencies and potential air introduction into hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A suction strainer design featuring a first filtration portion with a pleated shape and a second filtration portion with multiple surface and interior spaces, along with a float mechanism to manage air accumulation and prevent air ingress, effectively captures and removes bubbles from hydraulic oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional strainer is used to filter hydraulic oil, then particles can be removed, but bubbles cannot be effectively removed and may be drawn into the hydraulic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bubble removal function and particle filtration function into a single strainer device. The strainer includes a strainer body with a strainer element that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate bubble removing device while maintaining effective bubble removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strainer is designed to perform multiple functions: it filters particles from hydraulic oil while simultaneously removing bubbles. The strainer element and strainer body configuration enable this multi-functionality, allowing a single device to address both contamination and aeration issues in the hydraulic system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fine filtration strainer is used to remove small particles, then filtration precision is improved, but the strainer may draw in fine bubbles and produce air introduction into the hydraulic system
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer body includes an inclined surface that creates a bubble-free zone above the strainer element. This local structural feature prevents bubbles from reaching the filtration area, allowing fine particle removal without drawing in fine bubbles. The inclined surface specifically addresses the bubble issue at the critical location where bubbles would otherwise be drawn into the system.
3Productivity
If the strainer is positioned to effectively filter oil, then filtration efficiency is improved, but air may accumulate on the upper side of the strainer and be drawn into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer body is designed with an inclined surface that creates a specific bubble-free zone configuration. This local structural feature prevents air accumulation at critical locations while maintaining effective filtration. The inclined surface directs airflow and prevents air pockets from forming in positions where they would be drawn into the hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface introduces a dimensional aspect to the strainer body design, creating a sloped geometry that prevents air accumulation. By adding this angular dimension to the otherwise horizontal strainer structure, the design eliminates dead zones where air could collect, allowing efficient filtration without air ingress.
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 solution enables efficient bubble removal from hydraulic oil, preventing air from entering hydraulic systems and reducing the risk of air-related defects, such as temperature and pressure increases that can damage components.
Implementation Method 1
bubbles included in the oil are captured by the plurality of spaces formed in the surface and interior of the second filtration portion and are caused to grow, making it possible to remove the bubbles from the oil
Implementation Method 2
The float may be movable between a first position where the float closes a first hole formed in the first plate and a second position where the float opens the first hole
Data Source
AI summary
A tank for storing oil includes a suction strainer with first and second filtration portions. The first filtration portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and formed by bending a thin plate into a pleated shape. The second filtration portion is provided on the outer side of the first filtration portion. The second filtration portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed of a material having a plurality of spaces formed in a surface and interior of the material.