Thermally Active Valve Filter with Pressure Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid filter assemblies fail to effectively control fluid flow based on temperature variations, particularly in cooling systems, leading to inefficient cooling and potential system damage from pressure buildup due to restricted flow.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a thermally active valve that changes shape in response to temperature, operating in cold and hot modes to control fluid flow, and includes a pressure bypass mechanism to relieve excess pressure, utilizing a thermally active wax element that changes configuration to open or close the valve and a spring-based mechanism to manage pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter assembly is used without thermal control, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the fluid flow cannot be controlled based on temperature variations leading to inefficient cooling and potential system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly uses a thermally active element that automatically responds to temperature changes without external control. The element expands when temperature rises, mechanically closing the valve to restrict flow, and contracts when temperature drops, opening the valve to restore flow. This self-regulating mechanism provides temperature-based flow control and system protection without requiring external actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the thermally active element based on temperature parameter changes. The element transitions between expanded and contracted states in response to temperature variations, which mechanically actuates the valve to switch between open and closed positions. This parameter-driven state change enables automatic temperature-based flow control.
2Temperature
If the valve is closed to restrict fluid flow at high temperature, then cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure builds up in the filter assembly causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief mechanism provides feedback to the system by monitoring pressure levels and automatically activating when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the thermally active element closes the valve at high temperature, pressure builds up and triggers the relief mechanism, which opens a bypass path to release excess pressure. This feedback loop ensures the system operates within safe pressure limits while maintaining temperature-based flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main valve and the fluid system. It provides a controlled bypass path that activates only when pressure becomes excessive, allowing pressure relief without interfering with the primary temperature-based flow control function. This intermediary mechanism protects the system from pressure damage while preserving the cooling efficiency benefits of flow restriction.
3Productivity
If the thermally active element is added to control flow based on temperature, then cooling system efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally active element provides automatic temperature-based flow control without requiring external power sources, control electronics, or complex mechanisms. The element's inherent thermal expansion and contraction properties are harnessed to mechanically actuate the valve, providing self-regulating flow control that improves cooling system efficiency while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic or mechanical control systems with a passive thermal-mechanical response. Instead of using sensors, actuators, or electronic controls to regulate flow based on temperature, the system uses the natural thermal expansion behavior of the thermally active element to mechanically close and open the valve, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining or improving cooling efficiency.
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
Enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring suitable fluid temperature communication through the system and protects against pressure overload, providing improved operational efficacy compared to conventional filter devices.
Implementation Method 1
The valve includes a thermally active element that changes shape between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a temperature variation
Implementation Method 2
A pressure bypass is configured to open the valve in response to a pressure increase in the filter assembly above a threshold pressure when the thermally active element is in the second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a filter media for filtering a fluid, and a valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for controlling a flow of the fluid through the filter assembly. The valve includes a thermally active element that changes shape between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a temperature variation. When the thermally active element is in the first configuration the valve is open with the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, and the thermally active element changes shape to the second configuration to close the valve. The thermally active element may move a valve poppet against a valve seat to close the valve. A pressure bypass is configured to open the valve in response to a pressure increase in the filter assembly above a threshold pressure when the thermally active element is in the second configuration.