Tri-flow Filter Element with Internal Air Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel systems, particularly for vehicles, air accumulation in filter housings can lead to erratic fuel delivery and affect downstream components, as existing technologies do not effectively vent air from both fuel paths in a cost-effective and simple manner.
Innovation Solution
A novel filter element and assembly with three flow paths, including a central cavity and concentric rings of filtration media, featuring a vent orifice and a separate fluid drain passage, allowing for internal venting of both fuel paths while maintaining a low-part and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate drain path through the housing is used to vent air, then air venting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drain path function with the filter element itself by forming the drain path as a passage through the support core of the filter element. This integration eliminates the need for a separate drain path in the housing, reducing the number of parts while maintaining air venting capability. The support core serves dual purposes: structural support for the filtration media and provision of the drain path for air removal.
2Reliability
If the vent orifice is separate from the filter element, then it can be maintained independently, but it is at risk of clogging and requires separate maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The vent orifice is integrated into the filter element as an opening in the support core, merging the venting function with the filter element. This ensures that when the filter element is replaced during routine maintenance, the vent orifice is simultaneously replaced, eliminating the risk of clogging and simplifying maintenance. The vent orifice is positioned to receive fluid communication with the drain path, ensuring continuous air removal capability.
3Reliability
If a three-flow path design is implemented, then both fuel paths can be vented internally, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into concentric rings of filtration media (first ring and second ring) with the support core providing the third flow path structure. This segmentation allows each ring to handle specific flow paths while the support core provides the drain path, enabling internal venting of both fuel paths through a modular structure that simplifies manufacturing compared to a fully integrated monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support core is disposed within the central cavity defined by the nested concentric rings of filtration media. This nested arrangement allows the three-flow path design to be achieved within a compact structure where the support core (providing the drain path) is positioned centrally within the rings, enabling internal venting without significantly increasing external dimensions or manufacturing 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
Effectively vents air from both fuel paths, ensuring stable fuel delivery and reducing the risk of clogging by integrating the vent orifice with the filter element, which is replaced with the element, thus preventing air from being pushed through the filtration media.
Implementation Method 1
an annular resilient sealing device carried by the second end cap and bounding the central opening therein
Implementation Method 2
a first ring of filtration media having a first end and a second end and circumscribing a central cavity; a second ring of filter media having a first and a second end, nested within said first ring
Implementation Method 3
a fluid drain passage in the support core from a first end in fluid communication with the vent orifice, to a second end, the fluid passage being separate and independent of the flow through the medias
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element and assembly which has three flow paths, has particular application to a fuel supply system for a diesel engine for filtering flow from the fuel tank as well as fuel returning from the engine that is to be recirculated back to the engine. The filter element and assembly provide a third flow path for also providing for venting of both fuel paths to a drain flow path internally of the filter element.