Thermally Conductive Filter Element for Urea Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction filters with depth filter media inside fuel tanks, particularly in urea fuel tanks, act as insulators, preventing heat transfer and causing urea to freeze, which hinders the thawing process before it can be drawn by the fuel pump.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a thermally conductive element within the filter's support structure that allows heat transfer from an external heating unit to the interior of the filter, using materials like thermally conductive plastics or metals with additives, to thaw fluids such as urea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If depth filter media is used in conventional suction filters, then filtering capability is improved, but heat transfer is blocked causing fluid freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple thermally conductive elements (first thermally conductive element, second thermally conductive element) that are distributed throughout the filter media, creating multiple heat transfer pathways while maintaining filtering capability
Solution Approach 2:
Thermally conductive elements serve as intermediary components between the external heating unit and the fluid inside the filter, transferring thermal energy through the filter media to prevent freezing while maintaining filtering function
2Temperature
If heating unit is installed in fuel tank, then thawing capability is improved, but heat cannot reach filter interior due to insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive elements act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the external heating unit and the filter interior, enabling efficient heat transfer through the insulating filter media without direct heating of the fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates thermally conductive elements at specific locations (first and second thermally conductive elements at different positions) to create localized heat transfer zones that efficiently distribute heat throughout the filter
3Temperature
If thermally conductive element is added to support structure, then heat transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive elements are merged with and integrated into the support structure, combining the structural support function with the heat transfer function in a single unified component rather than adding separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the filter media, enabling heat transfer through thermally conductive elements, and potentially serving as a mounting structure for the heating unit, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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
This solution effectively thaws urea inside the filter, ensuring it can be drawn by the fuel pump without freezing, enhancing the operational efficiency of fuel systems by maintaining fluid flow even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive element that communicates with an interior portion of the suction filter and an exterior portion of the suction filter. The thermally conductive element transfers heat obtained external the suction filter to the interior portion of the suction filter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A filter providing a heat transfer pathway therein is provided. The filter includes a support structure, an inlet connected to the support structure, a filter element connected to the support structure, and a thermally conductive element that communicates with an interior portion of the suction filter. The filter element is configured to filter a fluid as it passes through the filter element into an interior portion of the suction filter. Also, the thermally conductive element extends from the interior portion of the suction filter to an exterior portion of the suction filter. The thermally conductive element is configured to transfer heat obtained external the suction filter to the interior portion of the suction filter in order to provide heat to the fluid in the interior portion of the suction filter.