Volume-Efficient Filter With Parallel Flow Passages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems face challenges in maximizing space efficiency and flexibility in package geometry while maintaining performance, particularly in providing more filter media area within a given volume.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple parallel flow passages with independent filter elements and a diagonal internal dividing wall, allowing fluid to flow through specific filter elements while bypassing others, and utilizes a spacer and gasket system for alignment and sealing, enabling efficient fluid flow and increased filter media area in a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional filter assemblies are used, then the package size is larger, but the filter media area within a given volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple filter elements (first filter element and second filter element) arranged in parallel flow passages. This segmentation allows the filter media to be distributed across multiple independent elements, increasing the total filter media area within the same housing volume without requiring a larger package size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a diagonal internal dividing wall that creates three-dimensional flow passages, utilizing vertical and diagonal spaces rather than just horizontal arrangement. This dimensional approach allows filter elements to be positioned in overlapping or staggered configurations, maximizing the use of available volume and increasing filter media area density.
2Volume of moving object
If more filter elements are added to increase filter media area, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter elements are merged into a single integrated housing structure with common inlet and outlet ports. The parallel flow passages and unified housing design allow multiple filter elements to function together as one cohesive assembly, increasing filter media area without proportionally increasing device complexity through separate housings or complex distribution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains multiple filter elements, provides flow distribution through the dividing wall, creates sealed flow passages, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby increasing filter media area without equivalent increases in device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If parallel flow passages are used to increase filter media area, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internal dividing wall is positioned diagonally rather than symmetrically in the center of the housing, creating asymmetric flow passages. This asymmetric design allows for more flexible manufacturing tolerances compared to symmetric configurations, as the diagonal orientation naturally accommodates variations in casting or molding processes while maintaining functional flow separation and filter element positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter includes a housing with multiple flow passages and filter elements providing volume-efficient bottom-in, top-out flow or top-in, bottom-out flow. In another embodiment, parallel filtering flow paths are provided with multiple filter elements having respective overlapped sections axially aligned, with at least one filter element having a radial extension section non-axially aligned with another of the filter elements.