Variable Wash Filter Cone for Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed geometry wash filters are inadequate in maintaining a standard wash velocity range due to high turn down ratios in fuel flow, which can lead to ineffective contamination removal in engine systems with contamination-sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
A variable wash flow filter assembly with a wash velocity control cone and an activation deltaP window, guided by a sleeve section, that splits fuel flow into burn and filtered flows, ensuring a consistent wash velocity by controlling the movement of the cone to maintain effective contamination removal across varying flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional fixed geometry wash filter is used, then the structure is simple, but the wash velocity cannot be maintained within the standard range due to high turn down ratios in fuel flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed geometry wash filter into a variable geometry system. A control cone is introduced that can dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis based on flow conditions. The cone's position varies with fuel flow rate, allowing the conical gap between the cone and filter screen to change dynamically. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent wash velocity across the operating range by adapting the flow distribution to match actual fuel flow conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and wash velocity consistency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If excess pump flow is bypassed and recirculated to provide wash flow, then the energy utilization is improved, but the wash velocity varies significantly with pump operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the flow path through the control cone's position changes. As the cone moves along the longitudinal axis, it changes the cross-sectional area of the conical gap, thereby adjusting the flow distribution parameters. This allows the system to adapt the wash flow characteristics to match varying pump operating conditions while still utilizing the bypassed excess flow, resolving the contradiction between energy utilization and wash flow adaptability.
3Reliability
If the wash velocity control cone is positioned to maximize wash flow, then the contamination removal effectiveness is improved, but the pressure drop across the filter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control cone dynamically positions itself to optimize the balance between wash flow and pressure drop based on actual operating conditions. At higher flow rates, the cone positions to allow greater wash flow for effective contamination removal. At lower flow rates, it adjusts to maintain adequate wash velocity while minimizing unnecessary pressure drop. This dynamic optimization resolves the contradiction between contamination removal effectiveness and pressure drop.
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 solution maintains a consistent wash velocity, ensuring effective contamination removal from contamination-sensitive components by adapting to changes in fuel flow, even with high turn down ratios, thereby protecting engine system clearances.
Implementation Method 1
a wash velocity control cone biased within said housing by a bias member positioned in an internal space in the cone
Implementation Method 2
avoiding the potential closing force caused by relatively high velocity fluid which results in a drop in static pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A variable wash flow filter assembly (54) includes a wash velocity control cone (68) movable between a minimal position and a maximum position.