Water Filter with Hydrocarbon-Absorbing Plug for Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filters for removing hydrocarbons from fuel systems face challenges such as environmental pollution due to improper disposal of contaminated water, difficulty in monitoring filter exhaustion, and the risk of water bypassing unfiltered through the filter media, leading to potential engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A water filter with a closed shell and a filter media that includes a valve with a plug to absorb hydrocarbons, changing its properties to restrict flow when exhausted, indicating when the filter needs replacement, and a filter indicator layer to prevent unfiltered water from passing through, coupled with a solenoid valve system for controlled water release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual draining of water is used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the operator convenience deteriorates and water may be neglected causing engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors water accumulation using a sensor and triggers draining operations without operator intervention. The control unit activates the solenoid valve when water reaches a critical level, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate the need for manual monitoring while preventing engine damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A water level sensor provides continuous feedback to the control unit about the amount of water in the filter. This feedback mechanism enables automatic control of the draining process, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal operation without operator intervention.
2Ease of operation
If automatic solenoid drain valve is used, then operator convenience is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from the water level sensor and automatically activates the solenoid valve only when necessary. This feedback-based control enables automatic operation while avoiding unnecessary complexity by using simple on/off control logic rather than continuous regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic water removal through the solenoid valve controlled by the ECU, enabling self-service operation that improves convenience while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through integration with existing vehicle electronic control systems.
3Reliability
If water is filtered on the pressure side, then the fuel pump is protected, but water separation becomes more difficult and filter cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Water is separated from fuel before the fuel reaches the pump, removing the harmful substance in advance. The filter is positioned to intercept water-contaminated fuel before it can damage the pump, achieving protection through preliminary filtration rather than post-protection measures.
4Ease of manufacture
If contaminated water is discharged without treatment, then disposal is simple, but environmental pollution occurs violating regulations
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrocarbons are extracted from the contaminated water using an adsorbent material in the filter. The adsorbent selectively removes hydrocarbon contaminants from the water phase, allowing the treated water to be discharged while capturing harmful substances for proper disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent material changes its physical or chemical properties to selectively bind hydrocarbons from the water. This parameter change enables the separation of contaminants from water, transforming the discharged water from a polluted state to a compliant state meeting environmental regulations.
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 effectively reduces hydrocarbon levels in discharged water to comply with environmental regulations, provides timely indication for filter replacement, and prevents engine damage by ensuring all water is properly filtered before discharge, thus reducing pollution and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a filter media within the shell arranged such that water flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through the filter media, the filter media being arranged to filter hydrocarbons from the water
Implementation Method 2
the valve comprising a valve chamber which houses a plug of material arranged to absorb hydrocarbons from water passing through the valve and to change its material properties in response to absorbing hydrocarbons
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A water filter (2, 102, 202) comprises a closed shell (30, 130, 230) having an inlet (16, 116, 216) and an outlet (300). A filter media (56, 156, 256) is provided within the shell (30, 130, 230) and arranged such that water flowing from the inlet (16, 116, 216) to the outlet (300) passes through the filter media (56, 156, 256). The filter media (56, 156, 256) filters hydrocarbons from the water. A filter indicator (58, 158, 316) is arranged to filter hydrocarbons from the water and to restrict the flow of water through the water filter (2, 102, 202) in response to absorbing hydrocarbons, such that a reduction in the capacity of the water filter (2, 102, 202) to filter hydrocarbons from the water is indicated by a reduction in the flow of water through the water filter (2, 102, 202).