Valve Bore Wash Filter Structure for Self-Cleaning Air Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pneumatic valve filters are heavy, require routine servicing to prevent clogging, and do not effectively manage airflow velocity to prevent particle contamination.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning filter design featuring a first and second ring edge structure with a filter medium that includes laser-cut holes, allowing air to flow radially outward while blocking particles, and is resiliently seated within a valve housing to manage airflow velocity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional cartridge filters are used in pneumatic valves, then filtering capability is provided, but weight increases due to additional housing material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle contaminationVSAvoidvalve weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is integrated directly into the valve bore, merging the filtering function with the existing valve structure. The filter element comprises a support structure with filtering material formed as an integral part of the valve housing, eliminating the need for separate cartridge filter housing and reducing overall valve weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the valve mechanism and simultaneously houses the filter element. The filter element itself provides both structural support and filtering capability, making the system more compact and lighter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional cartridge filters are used, then filtering is provided, but routine servicing is required to prevent clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle contaminationVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed to be self-cleaning through the valve's normal operation. The flow of air through the valve bore continuously washes the filter surface, preventing particle accumulation and clogging. This eliminates the need for routine manual servicing and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is pre-designed with a specific geometry and material composition that prevents clogging before it occurs. The porous structure and surface properties are engineered to allow continuous flow without particle accumulation, eliminating the need for preventive maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional filters are used, then particulate filtering is achieved, but airflow velocity is not effectively managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle contaminationVSAvoidairflow velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element has varying porosity and pore size distribution throughout its structure. The proximal portion (upstream side) has different filtering characteristics compared to the distal portion (downstream side), allowing optimal particle capture while maintaining appropriate airflow velocity at different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element's physical parameters (porosity, pore size, thickness) are optimized to balance particle filtration efficiency with airflow velocity management. The filtering material properties are selected to provide effective particle capture while minimizing pressure drop and maintaining laminar flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 filter effectively filters particulates from airflow, reduces the need for routine servicing, and provides weight, size, and cost savings by eliminating cartridge-style filters, while maintaining long filter life and ensuring reliable pneumatic valve operation.

Implementation Method 1

The filter medium is configured to allow air flow through the filter medium from the main bore radially outward through the filter medium to filter particulate out of an airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The first ring, the second ring, and the filter medium can be resilient for temporary elastic deformation of the first ring, the second ring, and the filter medium radially inward for seating in a main bore of a valve housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12276291B2Valve bore wash filters

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A filter includes a first edge structure forming a first ring about an axis. A second edge structure forms a second ring about the axis, axially spaced apart from the first ring along the axis. A filter medium extends from the first edge structure to the second edge structure. The first and second edge structures are configured to engage an internal surface of a main bore of a valve housing. The filter medium is configured to allow air flow through the filter medium from the main bore radially outward through the filter medium to filter particulate out of an airflow from the main bore passing radially outward through the filter medium.