Wheel Abrasion Particle Collector With Flushing Anti-Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasion particle collectors fail to ensure all particles reliably pass from the collecting profile into the container, leading to potential clogging and environmental contamination.

Innovation Solution

A flushing system using a rinsing liquid is implemented to flush abrasion particles from the collecting profile into the container, preventing clogging and ensuring complete collection, with features like a Christmas tree profile, particle guide channels, and a detachable design for easy retrofitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If abrasion particles are collected using gravity alone in the collection profile, then the device structure remains simple, but particles may accumulate and clog the collection profile, disrupting functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection profile structureVSAvoidparticle collection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing system performs preliminary action by continuously or periodically removing accumulated particles from the collection profile before they can cause clogging. The flushing liquid is supplied in advance to maintain particle flow, preventing the harmful effect of particle accumulation and ensuring reliable operation throughout the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a flushing system is added to ensure complete particle collection, then particle collection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection reliabilityVSAvoidflushing system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing system utilizes the vehicle's existing water supply system to provide flushing liquid, allowing the device to serve itself without requiring an independent water source. The collection container's bottom opening enables automatic draining of used flushing liquid, reducing the need for additional complex components while maintaining reliable particle collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flushing system serves multiple functions: it removes collected particles from the collection profile, cleans the particle guide channels, and can be adapted to use various liquids (water, rainwater, antifreeze solutions). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both particle collection and self-cleaning capabilities within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the collection container is made detachable for easy retrofitting, then ease of installation improves, but connection reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofit installation easeVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into detachable components: the collection container can be separated from the collection profile, and the flushing system components can be independently installed. This segmentation enables easy retrofitting to existing vehicles while maintaining reliable connections through properly designed coupling interfaces that ensure both ease of assembly and secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 guarantees reliable collection of abrasion particles, protects the environment, and maintains device functionality even in wet conditions, with the rinsing system being resistant to moisture and capable of using rainwater or antifreeze for winter operation.

Implementation Method 1

a flushing system which is designed to flush abrasion particles from the at least one collecting profile into the collecting container by means of a flushing liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The angle profiles have an arrow-shaped cross-section. The arrow-shaped angle profiles prevent the collected abrasion particles from falling out of the collecting profile, as the abrasion particles collect in particle guide channels.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The collecting profile has a plurality of collecting openings on its inner side facing a wheel of a vehicle, by means of which abrasion particles can be collected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4375532A1Device for collecting abrasive particles
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4375532A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375532A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4375532A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for collecting abrasion particles (P) generated in the wheel area during the use of a vehicle, comprising at least one collecting profile (14) designed to collect abrasion particles (P), and a collection container (16) for collected abrasion particles (P).