Test Filter Assembly With Shim-Controlled Cavity Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration devices for testing fuel quality suffer from variations in test results due to minor changes in the position and thickness of the filtration element and fluid cavity dimensions, leading to inaccurate measurements of impurity content in hydrocarbon fuels.
Innovation Solution
A test filter assembly with a shim to fix the thickness of the fluid cavity and ensure precise alignment of the filtration element, reducing geometric variations and improving test accuracy by using an external housing, internal housing, and a filtration element with a sealing element to maintain a consistent fluid pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the filtration element position and fluid cavity dimensions are not precisely controlled, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the test result accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to variations in geometric variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the filtration element at a fixed position within the housing and pre-defining the fluid cavity dimensions during device assembly. The filtration element is positioned and secured before testing, and the fluid cavity is formed with precise dimensions during manufacturing, eliminating the need for adjustments during operation. This preliminary configuration ensures consistent geometric variables across all tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluid with known properties) that fills the fluid cavity and interacts with the filtration element. This intermediary medium serves as a reference standard that mediates between the geometric configuration of the device and the measurement process, allowing for standardized testing conditions that compensate for minor manufacturing variations in the device structure.
2Reliability
If the filtration element thickness and fluid cavity dimensions vary, then the manufacturing process is simpler and faster, but the separation behavior consistency deteriorates leading to unreliable test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise dimensional parameters for the fluid cavity and filtration element position during the design phase. The fluid cavity is designed with specific width, length, and depth dimensions that are maintained throughout manufacturing. By carefully selecting and controlling these geometric parameters, the patent ensures consistent separation behavior of the fuel-water emulsion across different test runs, achieving reliable and repeatable results.
3Measurement precision
If geometric variables such as filtration element position and fluid cavity thickness are not controlled, then the device is easier to assemble and manufacture, but the measurement of impurity content accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the housing into distinct sections that separately accommodate the filtration element and define the fluid cavity. The housing is segmented to create specific chambers with controlled dimensions, allowing each segment to be manufactured and assembled with standardized tolerances. This segmentation enables precise geometric control while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction.
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 shim stabilizes the fluid cavity thickness, minimizing test result variations and enhancing the reliability of fuel impurity measurements, particularly surfactant content in aviation fuels, by ensuring consistent separation behavior across the filtration element.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration element positioned within the cavity between the entry channel and the exit channel
Implementation Method 2
measuring the presence of unwanted chemical inclusions in hydrocarbon fuels by emulsification and filtration
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are example filtration test assemblies comprising an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing and outer housing define a fluid chamber between them, and a filtration element can be positioned in the fluid chamber. The devices disclosed herein can, in one example, separate or partially separate water from emulsions by passing the emulsions across the filtration element.