Curved lobes seal and lock the air filter system

Abstract

The present application discloses a curved cam seal locking air filter system. Various embodiments provide a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter element, and a cover. The cover includes a first cover end and a second cover end disposed axially away from the first cover end. A second coupling member is adjacent to the second cover end. The second coupling member is configured to engage the first coupling member to couple the cover to the filter housing. A biasing member is coupled to the first cover end. A docking plate is configured to press against a first end plate of the filter element to secure engagement between a first coupling portion of the filter seal member of the filter element and a second coupling portion of the housing seal member of the filter housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application date of May 8, 2020, application number 202080034402.7, and invention name “Curved convex corner sealed locking air filter system”.

[0002] Cross-reference application

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 847,682, filed May 14, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to air filtration systems for internal combustion engines and the like. Background Art

[0005] Many conventional filter systems use one or more sealing members in conjunction with a filter element. The integrity of the sealing member is essential for the proper functioning of the filter system. During the packaging, transportation, and installation of the filter element, the sealing member is at risk of being damaged (e.g., torn, deformed, twisted, dirty, etc.). To prevent filter damage, many conventional filter elements may implement a cap or mesh after forming (e.g., molding) the filter element and the sealing member. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments provide a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter element, and a cover. The filter housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end disposed axially away from the first housing end. The first housing end and the second housing end define an internal cavity therebetween. A first coupling member is adjacent to the first housing end. A housing sealing member is formed on the second housing end and includes a first engagement portion. The filter element is disposed in the internal cavity. The filter element includes a filter medium having a first media end and a second media end disposed axially away from the first media end. A first endplate is disposed on the first media end. A second endplate is disposed on the second media end. The filter sealing member is formed on the second endplate and includes a second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is configured to engage the first engagement portion of the housing sealing member. The cover includes a first cover end and a second cover end disposed axially away from the first cover end. A second coupling member is adjacent to the second cover end. The second coupling member is configured to engage the first coupling member to couple the cover to the filter housing. An interface plate is configured to press against the filter endplate to secure the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cover further includes a biasing member coupled to the first cover end and contacting the docking plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first engaging portion comprises:

[0009] a first housing sealing end portion;

[0010] a second housing sealing end portion, which is axially disposed away from the first housing sealing end portion;

[0011] a first housing sealing surface disposed between the first housing sealing end and the second housing sealing end, the first housing sealing surface comprising at least one cam and at least one guide channel;

[0012] a second housing sealing surface disposed between the first housing sealing end and the second housing sealing end and disposed radially away from the first housing sealing surface; and

[0013] an annular cavity defined between the first housing sealing surface and the second housing sealing surface, the annular cavity being configured to receive a support ring of the second engagement portion; and

[0014] Wherein, the second joining portion comprises:

[0015] a first filter sealing end portion;

[0016] a second filter sealing end portion, which is axially disposed away from the first filter sealing end portion;

[0017] a first filter sealing surface disposed between the first filter sealing end and the second filter sealing end, the first filter sealing surface including at least one lobe and at least one guide channel;

[0018] a second filter sealing surface disposed between the first filter sealing end and the second filter sealing end and radially away from the first filter sealing surface; and

[0019] a support ring disposed between the first filter sealing surface and the second filter sealing surface, the support ring being configured to engage the annular cavity of the first engagement portion,

[0020] The biasing member is configured to bias the docking plate in a direction toward the first end plate, causing the docking plate to press against the first end plate and push the first engaging portion into engagement with the second engaging portion, and forming a seal between the filter sealing member and the housing sealing member.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one lobe is a plurality of lobes, and the at least one guide channel is a plurality of guide channels, each guide channel of the plurality of guide channels being disposed between a pair of lobes of the plurality of lobes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first engagement portion is configured to form a seal with the second engagement portion when the support ring is received by the annular cavity.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first engaging portion comprises:

[0024] a first inner casing lobe, a second inner casing lobe, and an inner casing guide passage, the inner casing guide passage being disposed between the first inner casing lobe and the second inner casing lobe, the first inner casing lobe being non-parallel to the second inner casing lobe; and

[0025] Wherein, the second joining portion comprises:

[0026] a first inner filter lobe, a second inner filter lobe and an inner filter guide channel, the inner filter guide channel being disposed between the first inner filter lobe and the second inner filter lobe, the first inner filter lobe being non-parallel to the second inner filter lobe, wherein the engagement of the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion is a translational and rotational engagement of the inner filter guide channel receiving the first inner housing lobe, and a translational and rotational engagement of the inner housing guide channel receiving the first inner filter lobe.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a biasing member coupled to the first cover end and contacting the docking plate, and wherein the first engagement portion is configured to form a seal with the second engagement portion, the biasing member being configured to secure the seal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first engaging portion comprises:

[0029] a first outer housing lobe, a second outer housing lobe, and an outer housing guide passage, the outer housing guide passage being disposed between the first outer housing lobe and the second outer housing lobe, the first outer housing lobe being non-parallel to the second outer housing lobe; and

[0030] Wherein, the second joining portion comprises:

[0031] A first external filter lobe, a second external filter lobe and an external filter guide channel, the external filter guide channel is arranged between the first external filter lobe and the second external filter lobe, the first external filter lobe is not parallel to the second external filter lobe, wherein the engagement of the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion is a translational and rotational engagement of the external filter guide channel to receive the first external shell lobe, and a translational and rotational engagement of the external shell guide channel to receive the first external filter lobe.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a biasing member coupled to the first cover end and contacting the docking plate, and wherein the first engagement portion is configured to form a seal with the second engagement portion, the biasing member being configured to secure the seal.

[0033] Various other embodiments provide a filter element. The filter element includes a filter medium having a first media end and a second media end disposed axially away from the first media end. A first end plate is disposed on the first media end. A filter sealing member is formed on the first end plate. The filter sealing member includes a first engaging portion configured to engage a second engaging portion of the filter housing when the filter element is disposed in the interior cavity of the filter housing. A second end plate is disposed on the second media end. The second end plate is configured to receive a docking plate to secure the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the docking plate is biased by a biasing member.

[0035] In some embodiments, the filter sealing member includes a first plurality of lobes defining a first plurality of guide channels configured to receive a second plurality of lobes of the filter housing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the filter element further includes a support ring extending from the filter sealing member and configured to be received by the annular cavity of the filter housing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support ring includes a plurality of hook elements configured to be inserted into a plurality of locking recesses of the filter housing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the filter sealing member includes a plurality of inner lobes and a plurality of outer lobes, the plurality of inner lobes being angularly offset from the plurality of outer lobes.

[0039] In some embodiments, the filter element further comprises a support ring separating the plurality of inner lobes from the plurality of outer lobes, the support ring comprising a plurality of hook elements extending axially away from the filter sealing member in a direction opposite to the filter media.

[0040] Various other embodiments provide a filter housing. The filter housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end disposed axially away from the first housing end. The first housing end and the second housing end define an internal cavity therebetween. The filter housing includes a first coupling member adjacent to the first housing end and a housing sealing member formed on the second housing end. The housing sealing member includes a coupling end. The coupling end includes at least one internal lobe, at least one internal guide channel, at least one external lobe, at least one external guide channel, and an annular cavity defined between the at least one internal lobe and the at least one external lobe.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one external lobe and the at least one internal lobe are angularly offset by a non-zero angle.

[0042] In some embodiments, the annular cavity includes at least one locking pocket, each of the at least one locking pocket including a pocket cavity configured to receive a hook protrusion from the filter element.

[0043] In some embodiments, the annular cavity includes at least one locking recess, each of the at least one locking recess including a hole configured to receive a portion of the filter element such that the portion of the filter element is visible from outside the internal cavity when the filter element is positioned within the internal cavity.

[0044] These and other features, as well as their organization and manner of operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have like reference numerals throughout the several figures described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly having a biasing member disposed in a cover and a docking plate according to an example embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of a filter assembly with a biasing member.

[0047] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly with a biasing member.

[0048] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a filter sealing member according to an example embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3B According to an example embodiment Figure 3A A perspective view of the support ring of the filter sealing member.

[0050] Figure 3C is a perspective view of a filter sealing member according to another example embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3D is a perspective view of a filter sealing member according to yet another example embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A and Figure 3C A top view of the joining end of the filter sealing member.

[0053] Figure 3F yes Figure 3D A top view of the joining end of the filter sealing member.

[0054] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a housing sealing member according to an example embodiment.

[0055] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A top view of the joint end of the housing sealing member.

[0056] Figure 5A is a top perspective view of a filter housing including a housing sealing member according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A bottom perspective view of a filter housing including a housing sealing member.

[0058] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a filter housing including a housing sealing member.

[0059] Figure 5D yes Figure 5C A cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter housing including a housing sealing member.

[0060] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the engagement of a filter sealing member with a housing sealing member according to another example embodiment.

[0061] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Side view of the engagement of the filter sealing member with the housing sealing member.

[0062] Figure 7A yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional side view of the filter sealing member engaging the housing sealing member.

[0063] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional side view of the engagement of a filter sealing member with a housing sealing member according to another example embodiment.

[0064] Figure 7C is a detailed bottom perspective view of a filter housing according to another example embodiment.

[0065] Figure 7D Is a Figure 3C The filter sealing component Figure 7C Detailed bottom perspective view of the filter housing.

[0066] Figure 8A is a force diagram of a filter assembly in a vertically mounted position according to an example embodiment.

[0067] Figure 8B Is installed in a horizontal position Figure 8A Force diagram of the filter assembly.

[0068] Figure 9 is a graphical representation of spring characteristics of a biasing member in a filter assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0069] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a cross section of a filter assembly having a filter sealing member according to another embodiment.

[0070] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly having a center tube and a filter sealing member according to another example embodiment.

[0071] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0072] Figure 12A and Figure 12B yes Figure 11A A perspective view of the filter element of a filter assembly.

[0073] Figure 12C and Figure 12D yes Figure 12A and Figure 12B A cross-sectional perspective view of a filter element of a filter assembly.

[0074] Figure 13A yes Figure 11A A perspective view of the center tube of the filter element of a filter assembly.

[0075] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A Cross-sectional view of the central tube.

[0076] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly having an end plate and a filter sealing member according to another example embodiment.

[0077] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a filter assembly.

[0078] Figures 16A-16D Shown are side views of various filter elements having different filter sealing members formed using a protective sealing mold.

[0079] Figure 17A A top view of an eighteen-lobe non-parallel curved filter seal member formed using a protective seal mold according to another embodiment is shown.

[0080] Figure 17B A top view of a nine-lobe non-parallel curved filter seal member formed using a protective seal mold according to yet another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] With reference to the accompanying drawings in general, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filter assembly with a cover, the cover including a filter seal engagement member. In certain embodiments, the filter seal engagement member includes a biasing member and a docking plate (e.g., sealing plate, push plate, etc.) adjacent to a filter element, and the filter element has an internal seal portion and an external seal portion configured to engage the complementary portion on a filter housing. The biasing member and the docking plate are configured to be pressed on the end plate of the filter element, and produce a load (e.g., force) sufficient to fix the filter element in the proper position in the filter housing. In other embodiments, the filter seal forming element includes a center tube, the center tube adjacent to the cover and the filter element, and is configured to promote the engagement of the internal seal portion and the external seal portion of the filter element with the complementary portion on the filter housing. In other embodiments, the filter seal forming element includes an end cap (endcap), the end cap adjacent to the cover, and is configured to promote the engagement of the internal seal portion and the external seal portion of the filter element with the complementary portion on the filter housing. The internal seal portion and the external seal portion of the filter element are configured to be mechanically locked in the complementary undercut portion in the housing when installed, thereby preventing the filter element from sagging. In some embodiments, the inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion of the filter element include plastic rings. Thus, the filter sealing engagement components (e.g., biasing members and docking plates, center tubes, end caps, etc.) provide stability and "sealing force" (e.g., a load sufficient to form a seal between the two components) to the filter element and the filter housing during periods of severe vibration and movement (e.g., dynamic). Specifically, the filter sealing engagement components are configured to act on the filter element to provide a load in an axial direction (e.g., in the direction of the complementary engagement portion of the filter housing) that helps secure the filter element to the corresponding undercut portion of the filter housing so that a seal is maintained during combined torsional and translational entrapment of the filter element between the filter housing and the cover. In some embodiments, the cover is the first portion of the filter housing and the complementary sealing portions are disposed at opposite ends of the filter housing.

[0082] The inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion of the filter element and the complementary sealing portion of the filter housing can be configured to form a variety of filter sealing member shapes and structures. The filter sealing member can be configured to be mechanically locked in the complementary undercut portion of the housing and can fix the filter element in place during the vibration and / or movement of the filter element, filter housing or filter assembly. The filter sealing portion formed can be a filter sealing portion of a curved filter sealing portion, a non-parallel curved sealing portion, a spiral curved filter sealing portion, a parallel filter sealing portion or other similar structures. In certain embodiments, the filter sealing portion formed can include a pattern of curved parallel convex angles around the outer surface of the filter sealing member, which provides a larger surface area for retaining the filter element in the housing compared to the filter element with non-convex angles. The filter seal formed can be formed on a single end of the filter end, or can be arranged on both ends of the filter. In certain embodiments, the inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion of the filter element and the complementary sealing portion of the filter housing can be configured to form a solid torsion locking filter sealing member, which provides a method for rotating (e.g., twisting) and translating the filter element into the filter housing so that a seal is formed between the housing and the filter element. The filter elements described below may be installed into a filter assembly, such as an air filter assembly, that includes a filter housing, a filter cover, and a filter element.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the curved filter sealing member includes a plurality of convex corners and channels and a support ring located at the center. These convex corners, channels and support rings are configured to rotate and translate into complementary multiple convex corners and channels and an annular cavity located at the center. The filter seal engaging member, such as a biasing member and a docking plate, can provide a load on the end of the filter element, which, together with the interlocking channels and annular portion, "locks" the filter element into the filter housing because, under normal and severe vibration conditions, translation along the central axis and rotation relative to the sealing area (such as sealing zone) of the sealing member can cause the filter element to move away from the sealing area in the housing. In embodiments where the filter element is remotely mounted or vibrationally isolated, due to the complementary interlocking channels and annular portion, the filter element can be locked in the housing. In certain embodiments, the curved filter sealing member is fixed between the cover and the housing by utilizing a sufficiently thick polyurethane end cap. In such embodiments, the filter system with the cover can include neither a biasing member nor a docking plate. In those embodiments, a "soft" sealing member is arranged in the cover so that the cover maintains the gasket seal between the filter element and the housing.

[0084] refer to Figures 1-4B, a filter assembly 100 is shown according to an example embodiment, the filter assembly 100 including a biasing member 108 and a docking plate 110 adjacent a filter element 106 having a filter sealing element 152 configured to engage a complementary housing sealing member 252 formed in the filter housing 104. The filter assembly 100 includes a cover 102, a filter housing 104, a filter element 106 disposed between the cover 102 and the filter housing 104, the biasing member 108, and the docking plate 110, both disposed adjacent a cover end of the filter assembly 100. The filter housing 104 includes an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. As shown Figures 1-4B As shown, a portion of filter element 106 is disposed within inner cover cavity 118 of cover 102 and another portion of filter element 106 is disposed within inner housing cavity 130 of filter housing 104. In some embodiments, docking plate 110 and biasing member 108 are integrally formed as a biasing plate.

[0085] The cover 102 includes a first cover end 120 and a second cover end 122 that cooperate to define an interior cover cavity 118. The second cover end 122 includes a cover coupling member 126 that is configured to engage a complementary housing coupling member 136 on the filter housing 104. The cover coupling member 126 can be a rotational coupling member that forms a cavity and is configured to rotationally receive a protruding coupling member to couple (e.g., lock) the cover 102 to the filter housing 104. The biasing member portion 180 extends from the first cover end 120 in a direction away from the second cover end 122 toward an end 182. Figure 1 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the center cover 102, the biasing member portion 180 is formed as a single unit with the cover 102. The biasing member portion 180 includes the guide channel 124 and the filter element guide channel 128, which are configured to provide installation guidance and support for the docking plate 110 and the filter element 106, respectively.

[0086] The guide channel 124 is substantially centrally located and is configured to receive a complementary guide element 116 on the docking plate 110 to guide the docking plate 110 and / or the biasing member 108 into the proper installation position. The filter element guide channel 128 is disposed around the end of the biasing member portion 180 and extends axially toward the filter housing 104. In some embodiments, the filter element guide channel 128 extends from the first cover end 120 toward the filter housing 104 for at least one-third of the length of the cover 102 (e.g., from the first cover end 120 to the second cover end 122). The filter element guide channel 128 is configured to receive an end of the filter end plate 150 of the filter element 106. In some embodiments, the filter element guide channel 128 extends beyond the end plate 150 and proximate a portion of the filter media 156. In some embodiments, the filter element guide channel 128 and the filter end plate 150 engage to form a fluid-tight seal, thereby preventing fluid from entering the biasing member portion 180. In some embodiments, the filter element guide channel 128 and the filter end plate 150 engage to form a seal, thereby preventing contaminants (eg, stones, insects, and other forms of debris) from entering the biasing member portion 180 .

[0087] The biasing member 108 and the docking plate 110 are disposed within an internal volume formed within the biasing member portion 180. In some embodiments, the biasing member 108 is a spring having a specific elasticity and applying a biasing force within a certain range. The biasing member 108 is coupled to the surface of the end portion 182 via the first coupling member 112. Figure 1 As shown, the first coupling member 112 is disposed outside of and around the guide channel 124 extending from the end portion 182. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 112 is a biasing member channel configured to receive the end of the biasing member 108. The biasing member 108 is coupled to the first plate end 160 via the second coupling member 114. Figure 1 As shown, the second coupling member 114 is disposed outside of and around a guide element 116 extending from the first plate end 160. In some embodiments, the second coupling member 114 is a biasing member channel configured to receive an end of the biasing member. The second plate end 162 is disposed axially away from the first plate end 160 and configured to abut the end plate 150 of the filter element to apply the load (e.g., spring force) of the biasing member 108 to the filter element 106 and the filter housing 104.

[0088] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, according to an exemplary embodiment, cross-sectional views of the filter assembly 100 are shown in an open configuration 200 (e.g., with the cover 102 and filter housing 104 uncoupled) and a closed configuration 300 (e.g., with the cover 102 and filter housing 104 coupled). The filter element 106 includes a filter end plate 150, a filter sealing member 152 disposed axially away from the filter end plate 150, and a filter medium 156 disposed between the filter end plate 150 and the filter sealing member 152. The filter medium 156 defines an internal filter medium cavity 158. Although the filter medium 156 is shown as being arranged in a cylindrical filter block having a circular cross-sectional shape, the filter medium 156 can be arranged in other shapes (e.g., a racetrack or oval shape). The filter medium 156 can include, for example, pleated filter media arranged in panels or pleated blocks, or corrugated filter media arranged in panels, blocks, cylinders, racetrack shapes, or other arrangements.

[0089] In one set of embodiments, the filter medium 156 is generally formed by a flat sheet of filter medium 156 and a shaped sheet of filter medium 156. The shaped sheet includes a plurality of peaks formed by curves and / or folds in the sheet. A plurality of peaks form tetrahedral channels between the shaped sheet and the flat sheet. In some embodiments, embossments, such as pits, are provided on the peaks formed by curves and / or folds. The embossments help maintain the spacing between adjacent layers of the filter medium (i.e., the spacing between the shaped sheet and the flat sheet), thereby increasing dust retention capacity and reducing the pressure drop on a filter medium of a similar construction that does not have embossments. In some arrangements, the filter medium 156 is pleated along a plurality of bend lines. The bend lines extend axially in an axial direction and include a first group of bend lines extending axially from an upstream inlet toward a downstream outlet, and a second group of bend lines extending axially from a downstream outlet toward an upstream inlet.

[0090] In some arrangements, the filter media 156 includes a plurality of inlet tetrahedral flow channels and a plurality of outlet tetrahedral flow channels. The inlet tetrahedrons are incorporated in the center portion of the filter material, thereby allowing axial cross-flow of air between the inlet tetrahedral channels before the air passes through the filter media. This arrangement provides additional dust loading on the upstream side of the media, which increases the filtering capacity. U.S. Patent No. 8,397,920 further describes a specific arrangement of this tetrahedral filter media. In an alternative arrangement, the flow channels include grooves that are alternately sealed at the upstream end and the downstream end.

[0091] The filter element 106 can be substantially rigid such that the shape of the filter element 106 is substantially maintained during installation and use. Rigidity can be achieved by using a frame (e.g., a rigid polyurethane frame, an injection molded frame, a thermoformed frame, a rotationally molded frame, a 3D printed frame, a stamped metal frame, etc.) or reinforcing members (e.g., corrugating stabilization beads, applying a hardening agent (e.g., Elastocast 55090, polyurethane spray, etc.) to achieve.

[0092] refer to Figure 3A , the filter sealing member 152 includes a filter end 270 and a first engagement end 280 disposed axially away from the filter end 270. The filter end 270 includes a surface configured to receive one end of the filter medium 156. The first engagement end 280 is configured to engage with a complementary housing component to couple the filter element 106 to the filter housing 104. The first engagement end 280 includes an inner filter portion 210, an outer filter portion 220, and a support ring 230. The support ring 230 separates the filter sealing member 152 into the inner filter portion 210 and the outer filter portion 220 such that the support ring 230 is formed within the filter sealing member 152. As Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the inner filter portion 210 is configured to engage the complementary inner housing portion 310 to form an inner seal 1002. The inner filter portion 210 includes an inner plurality of lobes 212 and an inner plurality of guide channels 214, such that one guide channel in the plurality of guide channels 214 is disposed between a pair of lobes in the inner plurality of lobes 212. The inner plurality of lobes 212 and the inner plurality of guide channels 214 are configured to engage similar features on the inner surface of the filter housing end when the filter element 106 is installed in the complementary filter housing 104 to form an inner seal. In other words, the inner plurality of guide channels 214 includes an inner sealing portion 302 in the form of an annular serpentine (e.g., a curved "donut ring" with lobes) that engages a complementary inner sealing portion 402 on the inner plurality of guide channels 314 on the housing seal member 252. In some embodiments, the sealing surface can extend along substantially the entire surface of the first engaging end 280.

[0093] The outer filter portion 220 is configured to engage the complementary outer housing portion 320 to form the outer seal 1004. The outer filter portion 220 includes an outer plurality of lobes 222 and an outer plurality of guide channels 224 disposed between each of the outer plurality of lobes 222. The outer plurality of lobes 222 and the outer plurality of guide channels 224 are configured to engage similar features on the outer surface of the end of the filter housing 104 when the filter element 106 is installed in the complementary filter housing 104 to form the outer seal. In other words, the plurality of outer guide channels 224 include an outer sealing portion 304 in the form of an annular serpentine (e.g., a curved annular ring with lobes) that engages a complementary outer sealing portion 404 on the plurality of outer guide channels 324 on the housing seal member 252. Although the inner plurality of lobes 212 are shown as having the same size and shape as the outer plurality of lobes 222, in some embodiments, the inner plurality of lobes 212 have a different shape, size, and / or configuration than the outer plurality of lobes 222. The plurality of lobes can be configured to have a wide range of lobes with various periodic angles and non-parallel curved shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of lobes can be parallel in shape.

[0094] The support ring 230 is integral with the filter sealing member 152 and is configured to allow the filter element 106 to be properly aligned and locked (eg, to form a seal) during the installation process within the filter housing 104. Figure 3B The support ring 230 includes a first ring end 340, a second ring end 342, and a central ring opening 352. An inner ring surface 344 and an outer ring surface 346 are disposed between the first ring end 340 and the second ring end 342. A plurality of ring openings 348 are formed along the inner ring surface 344 and the outer ring surface 346. The plurality of ring openings 348 are configured to allow filter seal member material (e.g., polyurethane foam) to form a through portion of the support ring 230 and retain the support ring 230 within the filter seal member 152. The first ring end 340 includes a plurality of hook elements 232. Each of the plurality of hook elements 232 includes a support surface 254 and a hook portion 250. Each support surface 254 and hook portion 250 are configured to be inserted into the annular cavity 330 of the housing seal member 252 and rotated to engage the plurality of locking recesses 332 and each recess opening 350 in the housing seal member 252. Each hook portion 250 is disposed between a pair of support surfaces 254 in the plurality of hook elements 232 such that each hook portion 250 extends from one support surface 254 in the hook element to another support surface 254 in an adjacent one of the plurality of hook elements 232 .

[0095] like Figure 5DAs shown, the plurality of hook elements 232 are configured to be inserted into the plurality of locking recesses 332 on the second housing end 142 of the filter housing 104 and rotated to engage each hook portion 250 of each hook element in the plurality of hook elements 232 with each recess opening 350 in the plurality of locking recesses 332, thereby "locking" the filter element 106 within the filter housing 104. In some embodiments, each hook element in the plurality of hook elements 232 has a shape similar to a rounded "check mark" structure that is turned upside down along a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the plurality of hook elements 232 and each hook portion 250 form a sawtooth-shaped, dorsal-fin-shaped, or similar raised feature that provides a guide and orientation for engagement with a housing seal member 252 of the filter housing 104 that receives the filter element 106. In some embodiments, the filter sealing member 152 includes a non-parallel configuration of multiple curved lobes based on a circular rounding pattern (e.g., 360 degrees across the rounded filter) and includes a plastic support ring 230 that positions, stabilizes, and provides a locking feature to prevent the filter element 106 from translating straight back along the central axis of the filter element during periods of severe vibration while maintaining the integrity of the seal formed between the filter element 106 and the filter housing 104.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3C As shown, the support ring 230 may include a plurality of hook protrusions 236 configured to engage corresponding cavities within the filter housing 104. The plurality of hook protrusions 236 may extend radially away from the plurality of hook elements 232 in a direction generally toward the center of the filter sealing member 152 (e.g., toward the inner filter portion 210). In some embodiments, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 extend radially away from the plurality of hook elements 232 in a direction generally away from the center of the filter sealing member 152 (e.g., toward the outer filter portion 220). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of hook elements 232 includes one of the plurality of hook protrusions 236. For example, if there are twelve hook elements 232, each of the twelve hook elements 232 may include a hook protrusion 236, resulting in a total of twelve hook protrusions 236. The plurality of hook protrusions 236 may be integrally formed with the support ring 230, such as by injection molding, stamping, or additive manufacturing. In some embodiments, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 are formed separately from the support ring 230 and subsequently coupled to the plurality of hook elements 232.

[0097] The plurality of hook protrusions 236 define a shape in which Figure 3C, shown as a spherical cap with a circular perimeter. In some embodiments, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 define a rectangular shape, a square shape, a frusto-conical shape, or various similar three-dimensional shapes. The plurality of hook protrusions 236 can extend from the support ring 230 a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the support ring 230. In some embodiments, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 extend away from the support ring 230 a distance less than the thickness of the support ring 230.

[0098] The plurality of hook protrusions 236 can be located proximal to (e.g., on) the hook portion 250. For example, when the filter sealing member 152 is inserted into the filter housing 104, the hook protrusions 236 can engage with and slide along the filter housing 104. When the filter sealing member 152 is locked into the filter housing 104, the compliance of the support ring 230 can bias the plurality of hook protrusions 236 into corresponding cavities within the filter housing 104. The biasing of the plurality of hook protrusions 236 can generate a noise and / or provide tactile feedback to the installer so that the installer knows that the filter sealing member 152 is properly coupled to the filter housing 104. The plurality of hook protrusions 236 can also increase the amount of force required to disengage the filter sealing member 152 from the filter housing 104, reducing the likelihood that the filter sealing member 152 will be accidentally disengaged from the filter housing 104 (such as through sudden or prolonged vibration).

[0099] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3D As shown, the filter sealing member 152 may be formed without the support ring 230, such as the filter sealing member 172. The filter sealing member 172 is similar to Figure 3A and Figure 3C Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts between the filter sealing member 152 and the filter sealing member 172. Figure 3D , the filter sealing member 172 includes a filter end 270 and a first engagement end 280 disposed axially away from the filter end 270. The filter end 270 includes a surface configured to receive one end of the filter media 156. The first engagement end 280 is configured to engage with a complementary housing component to couple the filter element 106 to the filter housing 104.

[0100] Similar to filter seal member 152, filter seal member 172 includes an inner filter portion 210 and an outer filter portion 220. Because filter seal member 172 does not include support ring 230, inner filter portion 210 and outer filter portion 220 can be connected and formed from a single body, such that inner plurality of lobes 212 and outer plurality of lobes 222 form plurality of lobes 233, and inner plurality of guide channels 214 and outer plurality of guide channels 224 form plurality of guide channels 234. Lobes 233 and guide channels 234 are configured to engage similar features on the interior surface of an end portion of a complementary filter housing 104 when the filter element is installed in the filter housing to form an internal seal. In other words, guide channels 234 include a sealing portion 303 (e.g., inner sealing portion 302 and outer sealing portion 304 are connected to form sealing portion 303) that engages complementary sealing portions on the plurality of guide channels on housing seal member 252 in the form of an annular serpentine (e.g., a curved "doughnut-shaped ring" with lobes). In some embodiments, the sealing portion 303 may be along substantially the entire surface of the first engagement end 280 .

[0101] In some embodiments, the lobes (e.g., the inner plurality of lobes 212 and the outer plurality of lobes 222) can be angularly (e.g., axially) shifted relative to each other at a specified angular offset to facilitate unique filter acceptability. For example, with reference to the filter sealing member 152, the inner plurality of lobes 212 can be angularly shifted relative to the outer plurality of lobes 222 such that the inner plurality of lobes 212 are shifted clockwise by α-rotational degrees relative to the outer plurality of lobes 222, as shown in FIG. Figure 3E As shown. Figure 3E In the illustrated embodiment, both the outer plurality of lobes 222 and the inner plurality of lobes 212 have an angular pitch (e.g., rotational degrees between features) of 40 rotational degrees, while the inner plurality of lobes 212 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 222 by α rotational degrees. Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, the outer plurality of lobes 222 and the inner plurality of lobes 212 both have an angular separation of 30 rotational degrees, while the inner plurality of lobes 212 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 222 by 0 rotational degrees. The support ring 230 may also be angularly offset from the inner plurality of lobes 212, the outer plurality of lobes 222, or both the inner plurality of lobes 212 and the outer plurality of lobes 222. For example, Figure 3E As shown in the embodiment, the plurality of hook elements 232 can have an angular spacing of 40 rotational degrees and an angular offset of (α+n) rotational degrees from the outer plurality of lobes 222, where n is a real number including 0 and 40-α, and α and n are in units of rotational degrees.

[0102] In some embodiments, the plurality of lobes 233 of the filter sealing member 172 can be radially separated into an inner plurality of lobes 212 and an outer plurality of lobes 222 and angularly shifted (e.g., axially) relative to each other along the dashed line to facilitate unique filter acceptability. Thus, as a result of the radial separation of the plurality of lobes 233, the sealing portion 303 can be radially separated to form an inner sealing portion 302 and an outer sealing portion 304. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3F As shown, the inner plurality of lobes 212 may be angularly shifted relative to the outer plurality of lobes 222 such that the inner plurality of lobes 212 shifts β rotation degrees clockwise relative to the outer plurality of lobes 222. Figure 3E In the illustrated embodiment, both the outer plurality of lobes 222 and the inner plurality of lobes 212 have an angular separation (e.g., degrees of rotation between features) of 40 degrees of rotation, while the inner plurality of lobes 212 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 222 by β degrees of rotation. Figure 3D In the illustrated embodiment, the outer plurality of lobes 222 and the inner plurality of lobes 212 both have an angular separation of 30 rotational degrees, while the inner plurality of lobes 212 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 222 by 0 rotational degrees, thereby forming the plurality of lobes 233 and the connected sealing portion 303 .

[0103] Go to Figure 4A , according to an exemplary embodiment, a housing seal member 252 of the filter housing 104 is shown. The housing seal member 252 is disposed adjacent to the second housing end 142 and is configured to receive the filter seal member 152 in translational and rotational engagement to couple the filter element 106 to the filter housing 104. The housing seal member 252 includes a housing seal member end 370 and a second engagement end 380 disposed axially away from the housing seal member end 370. The housing seal member end 370 is substantially located adjacent to the second housing end 142. The outlet 134 extends from an interior portion of the housing seal member end 370 in a direction away from the second engagement end 380. The second engagement end 380 is configured to engage with the complementary first engagement end 280 of the filter seal member 152 to couple the filter element 106 to the filter housing 104. The second engagement end 380 includes an inner housing portion 310, an outer housing portion 320, and an annular cavity 330.

[0104] The annular cavity 330 separates the housing seal member 252 into the inner housing portion 310 and the outer housing portion 320, such that the annular cavity 330 is formed within the housing seal member 252. The annular cavity 330 extends axially away from the second engagement end 380. The inner housing portion 310 is configured to engage the complementary inner filter portion 210 to form the inner seal 1002. The inner housing portion 310 includes an inner plurality of lobes 312 and an inner plurality of guide channels 314 disposed between each of the inner plurality of lobes 312. The inner plurality of lobes 312 and the inner plurality of guide channels 314 are configured to engage complementary features on the inner surface of the end of the filter element when the filter element is installed in the complementary filter housing 104 to form an inner seal. In other words, the inner plurality of guide channels 314 include an inner sealing portion 402 that engages the complementary inner sealing portion 302 on the inner plurality of guide channels 214 on the filter seal member 152.

[0105] As similarly outlined above with respect to filter sealing member 152 and filter sealing member 172 , inner housing portion 310 and outer housing portion 320 may be angularly (eg, axially) displaced relative to one another to facilitate uniqueness of filter receivability.

[0106] For example, reference Figure 4B , the inner plurality of lobes 312 may be angularly shifted relative to the outer plurality of lobes 322 at a specified angular offset such that the inner plurality of lobes 312 shifts α rotation degrees clockwise relative to the outer plurality of lobes 322, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown. Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, both the outer plurality of lobes 322 and the inner plurality of lobes 312 have an angular separation (e.g., degrees of rotation between features) of 40 rotational degrees, while the inner plurality of lobes 312 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 322 by α rotational degrees. Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, the outer plurality of lobes 322 and the inner plurality of lobes 312 both have an angular separation of 30 degrees of rotation, while the inner plurality of lobes 312 are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes 322 by 0 degrees of rotation. The annular cavity 330 including the plurality of locking pockets 332 may also be angularly offset from the inner plurality of lobes 312, the outer plurality of lobes 322, or both. For example, Figure 4B As shown in the embodiment of FIG, the plurality of locking recesses 332 may have an angular spacing of 40 rotational degrees and an angular offset of (α+n) rotational degrees from the outer plurality of lobes 322, where n is a real number including 0 and 40-α, and α and n are in rotational degrees. Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of locking recesses 332 may have an angular spacing of 40 degrees of rotation and be offset from the outer plurality of lobes 322 by an angle equal to the angle of the plurality of hook elements 232 of the support ring 230 relative to the outer plurality of lobes 322. Figure 3C The outer plurality of lobes 222 are shown as being angularly offset.

[0107] The outer housing portion 320 is configured to engage the complementary outer filter portion 220 to form the outer seal 1004. The outer housing portion 320 includes an outer plurality of lobes 322 and an outer plurality of guide channels 324 disposed between each of the outer plurality of lobes 322. The outer plurality of lobes 322 and the outer plurality of guide channels 324 are configured to engage similar features on the outer surface of the end of the filter element when the filter element is installed in the complementary filter housing 104 to form the outer seal. In other words, the outer plurality of guide channels 324 include an outer sealing portion 404 that engages the complementary outer sealing portion 304 on the outer plurality of guide channels 224 on the filter seal member 152. Although the inner plurality of lobes 312 are shown as having the same size and shape as the outer plurality of lobes 322, in some embodiments, the inner plurality of lobes 312 can have a different shape, size, and / or configuration than the outer plurality of lobes 322. The plurality of lobes can be configured to have a wide range of lobes with various periodic angles and non-parallel curved shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of lobes may be parallel in shape.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second engagement end 380 may not include the annular cavity 330 such that when the second engagement end 380 is engaged with the filter sealing member 172 , the second engagement end 380 may form the outer seal 1004 and the inner seal 1002 with the filter sealing member 172 .

[0109] Go to Figures 5A-5D , various views of the filter housing 104 are shown. The filter housing 104 includes a first housing end 140 and a second housing end 142 disposed axially away from the first housing end 140. The first housing end 140 includes a housing coupling member 136 disposed about an exterior surface and is configured to couple the cover 102 to the filter housing 104, thereby causing the biasing member 108 and the docking plate 110 to press against the filter element 106 and "lock" the internal seal 1002 and the external seal 1004 formed between the filter element 106 and the filter housing 104. The second housing end 142 includes a housing sealing member 252 and the outlet 134. As shown Figure 5BAs shown in the bottom perspective view of the filter housing in FIG, second housing end 142 includes a spiral portion 502 surrounding housing seal member 252. In some embodiments, second housing end 142 does not include spiral portion 502 and is substantially flat. In some embodiments, only an inner seal 1002 is formed between filter element 106 and filter housing 104. In other embodiments, only an outer seal 1004 is formed between filter element 106 and filter housing 104.

[0110] refer to Figure 5C , shows a cross-sectional view of the filter housing 104 with the outlet 134 formed along the outlet tube portion 510 with the inner portion of the housing seal member end 370 and extending from the outlet 134. A portion 550 of the housing seal member 252 shows a detailed view of the annular cavity 330. Figure 5D As shown, the pocket openings 350 in the locking pockets of the plurality of locking pockets 332 are configured to receive the complementary hook portion 250 of each of the plurality of hook elements 232 to “lock” the filter element 106 within the filter housing 104 in conjunction with the axial load of the biasing member 108 and the docking plate 110 on the filter end plate.

[0111] like Figure 6A As shown, Figure 6A 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer plurality of lobes 222 of the outer filter portion 220 engaged within the outer plurality of channels 324 of the outer housing portion 320 and the outer plurality of lobes 322 of the outer housing portion 320 engaged within the outer plurality of channels 224 of the outer filter portion 220. Figure 6B As shown, the annular cavity 330 and the plurality of locking pockets 332 extend below the plane of the second housing end 142. Figure 7AAs shown, when the filter element 106 is installed in the filter housing 104, the hook portion 250 of each of the plurality of hook elements 232 engages the pocket opening 350 in the locking pocket of the plurality of locking pockets 332. Seal compression is shown between the inner sealing portion 302 of the filter seal member 152 and the inner sealing portion 402 of the housing seal member 252, which are configured to form the inner seal 1002, and the outer sealing portion 304 of the filter seal member 152 and the outer sealing portion 404 of the housing seal member 252, which are configured to form the outer seal 1004. In some embodiments, the inner sealing portion 302 of the filter sealing member 152 and the inner sealing portion 402 of the housing sealing member 252 are configured to receive or form an inner sealing member, and the outer sealing portion 304 of the filter sealing member 152 and the outer sealing portion 404 of the housing sealing member 252 are configured to receive or form an outer sealing member.

[0112] In some embodiments, as Figure 7B As shown, when the filter sealing member 152 is installed in the filter housing 104, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 provided on the hook portion 250 of each of the plurality of hook elements 232 can engage with recessed cavities 366 formed within the locking recesses 332 of the plurality of locking recesses 332. The recessed cavities 366 are configured to receive the plurality of hook protrusions 236. When the filter sealing member 152 (and more specifically, the support ring 230) is inserted into the plurality of locking recesses 332, the plurality of hook protrusions 236 can engage with and slide along the surfaces defining the plurality of locking recesses 332. When the filter sealing member 152 is locked in the filter housing 104, the plurality of hook elements 232 can bias the plurality of hook protrusions 236 into the recessed cavities 366, producing an audible sound that the installer of the filter element 106 can hear. The biasing of the plurality of hook protrusions 236 into the recessed cavities 366 can also provide tactile feedback to the installer when the filter element 106 is locked in the filter housing.

[0113] In some embodiments, when the filter element 106 and the filter sealing member 152 are coupled to the filter housing 104, the plurality of hook elements 232 can extend out of the annular cavity 330. Figure 7CAs shown, the annular cavity 330, and more specifically, a portion of the locking recesses of the plurality of locking recesses 332 located axially away from the inner seal portion 402 and the outer seal portion 404, includes a plurality of hook holes 368 extending through the annular cavity 330 and into the filter housing 104. Each of the plurality of hook holes 368 can be configured to receive a portion of the support ring 230, and more specifically, a portion of a hook element from the plurality of hook elements 232, such that a portion of the hook element 369 can extend through the hook hole 368 and be visible from the outside of the filter housing 104 (e.g., from a side of the filter housing 104 that is located outside the inner housing cavity 130). The plurality of hook holes 368 can also facilitate removal (e.g., cleaning) of debris from the annular cavity 330. In some embodiments, debris can accumulate within the annular cavity 330 and interfere with the coupling between the filter element 106 and the filter housing 104. The plurality of hook holes 368 may allow debris to be flushed out (eg, by water or air) through the plurality of hook holes 368 , preventing the debris from being flushed back into the inner housing cavity 130 .

[0114] In some embodiments, the support ring 230 can be formed from or colored a material that is visually distinct from the filter housing 104, such that a portion of the hook element 369 is visible to an installer of the filter element 106. For example, the support ring 230 can be formed from or colored fluorescent yellow, fluorescent green, or fluorescent orange. In some embodiments, a portion of the hook element 369 is formed from or colored phosphorescent material, such that a portion of the hook element 369 is visible in the absence of an external light source, allowing for confident installation and inspection of the filter element 106 in low-light environments. In some embodiments, a portion of the hook element 369 can be formed from or colored retroreflective or reflective material, such that an inspector of the filter element 106 can confirm proper locking of the filter element 106 within the filter housing 104 by shining a light (e.g., a flashlight) at the filter housing 104 and seeing a portion of the hook element 369 of each of the plurality of hook elements 232 pass through the hook hole 368 of each of the plurality of locking recesses 332. In embodiments where installation inspection is performed by camera or image analysis, reflective and retroreflective materials may be advantageously used to form or color a portion of the hook element 369 .

[0115] In some embodiments, two "check" features (e.g., a plurality of hook protrusions 236 received by the pocket cavities 366; a portion of the hook element 369 extending through the hook holes 368 in the plurality of locking pockets 332) may be present so that an installer installing the filter element 106 into the filter housing 104 can hear, feel, and see that the filter element 106 is properly installed in the filter housing 104. In some embodiments, the support ring 230 may include only one of the two "check" features. For example, the support ring 230 may include a plurality of hook protrusions 236, but the support ring 230 may not include a portion of the hook element 369 and may not extend through the hook holes 368. In some embodiments, the filter housing 104 does not include the hook holes 368, and the support ring 230 does not include a portion of the hook element 369.

[0116] Figure 8A FIG shows a force diagram of the filter assembly 800. The filter assembly 800 is similar to Figure 1Filter assembly 100. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components between filter assembly 800 and filter assembly 100. Filter assembly 800 is a vertically mounted filter assembly. The force 802 (Fs) of the biasing member (e.g., a spring) is the spring force of the biasing member 108 compressed between the end portion 182 and the first plate end 160 of the docking plate 110. Because the second plate end 162 is adjacent to the filter end plate 150, the force of the spring 802 is provided to the filter element 106. In some embodiments, the spring force (kx) transmitted to the filter element 106 is approximately 190 Newtons (42.7 pounds-force). The cover retention force 804 (Fr) is the coupling force between the cover coupling member 126 and the housing coupling member 136. The sealing force 812 (Fs) is associated with the sealing compression between the filter element 106 and the filter housing 104, which is the result of the biasing member 108 acting on the filter element 106 when the cover 102 is properly coupled to the filter housing 104. A seal compression zone 806 is formed between the filter seal member 152 and the housing seal member 252. A clean filter element 106 has a dry static force 808 (Fd). In some embodiments, the dry static force 808 is 9 Newtons (2.04 lbf). A wet filter element 106 has a wet static force 810 (Fw). In some embodiments, the wet static force 810 is 25 Newtons (5.57 lbf). Under severe vibration and oscillation, the clean filter element has a dry dynamic force 818 that opposes the sealing force 812. In some embodiments, the dry dynamic force 818 is 55 Newtons (12.25 lbf). Under severe vibration and oscillation, the wet filter element has a wet dynamic force 820 that opposes the sealing force 812. In some embodiments, the wet dynamic force 820 is 149 Newtons (33.43 lbf). Thus, under severe vibration and oscillation (F(6g) under certain conditions), the sealing force 812 of 190 Newtons (42.7 lbf) is greater than the wet dynamic force 820 of 149 Newtons (33.43 lbf) of the vibrating wet filter element 106. Thus, the filter element 106 remains sealed to the filter housing 104. Figure 8B Shown in horizontal mounting configuration Figure 8A Force diagram of the filter assembly 800.

[0117] Figure 9 is a diagram of a spring characteristic 900 of a biasing member 108 according to an example embodiment. The spring characteristic 900 is shown as a relationship between compression 902 (mm) and load 904 (N) for a first spring 910 and a second spring 912 that is shorter than the first spring 910. The first spring 910 is shown as a first linear function 914. Figure 9 As shown, the first linear function 914 is equal to y=9.5662x-23.724, R 2is 0.9539. The second spring 912 is shown as a second linear function 916. Figure 9 As shown, the second linear function 916 is equal to y=9.6818x-23.833, R 2 It is 0.8816.

[0118] Figure 10 10. A top perspective view of a cross-section of a filter assembly 1000 is shown having a filter sealing member 1052. Filter assembly 1000 is similar to filter assembly 100. The difference between filter assembly 1000 and filter assembly 100 is that filter assembly 1000 includes a substantially flat support ring 1030. Accordingly, like reference numerals are used to identify like components between filter assembly 1000 and filter assembly 100. The filter assembly includes a filter element 106 having a filter sealing member 1052. Filter sealing member 1052 includes a substantially flat support ring 1030 (e.g., without hook openings) disposed above a plurality of lobes.

[0119] Figures 11A-12D A cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly 1100 having a center tube 1102 is shown according to an example embodiment. The filter assembly 1100 is similar to Figure 1 Filter assembly 100 is shown. Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals are used to identify components that are identical between filter assembly 1100 and filter assembly 100. The difference between filter assembly 1100 and filter assembly 100 is that filter assembly 1100 includes a center tube 1102 that serves as a filter seal engagement member. Filter assembly 1100 includes a cover 102, a filter housing 104, a filter element 1106 disposed between the cover 102 and the filter housing 104, and center tube 1102. Filter assembly 1100 includes a center tube 1202 disposed within filter element 1106, which is configured to facilitate engagement of a filter seal member 152 of filter element 1106 with a complementary housing seal member 252 formed in the filter housing. Filter housing 104 includes an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. A portion of filter element 1106 is disposed within an interior cover cavity 118 of cover 102, and another portion of filter element 1106 is disposed within an interior housing cavity 130 of filter housing 104.

[0120] Filter element 1106 includes a filter end plate 1150, a filter sealing member 152 disposed axially away from filter end plate 150, and a filter medium 156 disposed between filter end plate 1150 and filter sealing member 152. Filter sealing member 152 of filter element 1106 is similar to filter sealing member 152 of filter element 106 and is configured to engage a complementary housing sealing member 252 of filter housing 104, as described above. Figures 3A-7D As described. Although the filter media 156 is shown as being arranged as a cylindrical filter block having a circular cross-sectional shape, the filter media 156 can be arranged into other shapes (e.g., a racetrack or oval shape). The filter media 156 can include, for example, a pleated filter media arranged as a panel or pleated block, or a corrugated filter media arranged as a panel, block, cylinder, racetrack shape, or other arrangement. The filter element 106 can be substantially rigid such that the shape of the filter element 106 remains substantially unchanged during installation and use. Rigidity can be achieved by using a frame (e.g., a rigid polyurethane frame, an injection molded frame, a thermoformed frame, a rotationally molded frame, a 3D printed frame, a stamped metal frame, etc.) or reinforcing members (e.g., pleating stabilizing strips, stiffening with a hardener (such as The filter medium 156 defines an inner filter medium cavity 158 .

[0121] The center tube 1102 is disposed within the interior filter media cavity 158 and includes a first center tube end 1110, a second center tube end 1120 disposed axially away from the first center tube end 1110, and a plurality of ribs 1130 disposed between the first center tube end 1110 and the second center tube end 1120. The plurality of ribs 1130 are configured to provide structural support to the filter media 156 and the filter element 1106 while minimizing interference with fluid flow through the filter media 156 to the outlet 134. Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, in some embodiments, the center tube 1102 can be molded together with the filter sealing member 152 to form a single unit. In those embodiments, forming the center tube 1102 and the filter sealing member 152 as a single unit ensures that the filter element 1106 has the proper filter element height 1180 to engage the cover 102 and properly seal the filter sealing member 152 and the housing sealing member 252.

[0122] refer to Figures 11A-12D, the cover 102 includes a first cover end 120 and a second cover end 122 that cooperate to define an internal cover cavity 118. The second cover end 122 includes a cover coupling member 126 that is configured to engage a complementary housing coupling member 136 on the filter housing 104. The cover coupling member 126 can be a rotational coupling member that forms a cavity and is configured to rotationally receive a protruding coupling member to couple (e.g., lock) the cover 102 to the filter housing 104. The first cover end 120 includes a filter element guide channel 128, a center tube cavity 1118, a first protruding cover member 1132, and a second protruding cover member 1134. The filter element guide channel 128 is configured to provide installation guidance and support for the filter element 1106. The filter element guide channel 128 is configured to receive the end of the filter end plate 1150 of the filter element 1106. In some embodiments, filter element guide channel 128 extends beyond end plate 1150 and is adjacent to a portion of filter media 156. In some embodiments, filter element guide channel 128 and filter end plate 1150 engage to form a fluid seal, thereby preventing fluid from bypassing filter media 156.

[0123] 11. Center tube cavity 1118 is positioned between first raised cover member 1132 and second raised cover member 1134. Center tube cavity 1118 is configured to receive first center tube end 1110 such that filter element height 1180 extends from first cover end 120 to second housing end 142 to apply a load (e.g., a compressive force) to filter element 106 and filter housing 104 when cover 102 is coupled to filter housing 104. In other words, as cover 102 is coupled to filter housing 104, first center tube end 1110 contacts center tube cavity 1118 and forces inner and outer sealing portions of the filter element to engage and form a seal with complementary sealing portions of filter housing 104. First raised cover member 1132 and second raised cover member 1134 contact filter end plate 1150. In some embodiments, first protruding cover member 1132 and second protruding cover member 1134 are configured to apply a load on filter element 106 and filter housing 104 when cover 102 is coupled to filter housing 104 along with center tube 1102. In some embodiments, the engagement and distribution of loads is similar to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The load distribution shown is such that the compressive forces of the center tube 1102 resist jostling, movement, etc. of the filter elements 1106 under vibration and oscillation.

[0124] Figure 14 and Figure 15A cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly 1400 having a thick filter end plate 1450 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The filter assembly 1400 is similar to Figure 1 14. The filter assembly 100 of FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a filter assembly 100. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals are used to identify like components between the filter assembly 1400 and the filter assembly 100. The difference between the filter assembly 1400 and the filter assembly 100 is that the filter assembly 1400 includes a thicker filter end plate 1450 as a filter sealing engagement member. The filter assembly 1400 includes a cover 102, a filter housing 104, and a filter element 1406 disposed between the cover 102 and the filter housing 104. The filter assembly 1400 includes a filter end plate 1450 located on one end of the filter element 1406 and configured to facilitate engagement of a filter sealing member 152 of the filter element 1406 with a complementary housing sealing member 252 formed in the filter housing 104. The filter housing 104 includes an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. A portion of the filter element 1406 is disposed within the interior cover cavity 118 of the cover 102 , and another portion of the filter element 1406 is disposed within the interior housing cavity 130 of the filter housing 104 .

[0125] The filter element 1406 includes a filter end plate 1450, a filter sealing member 152 disposed axially away from the filter end plate 1450, and a filter medium 156 disposed between the filter end plate 1450 and the filter sealing member 152. The filter end plate 1450 is configured to have a sufficient thickness to provide the height of the filter element 1406 to abut the first cover end 120 and to provide sufficient compressive force on the filter sealing member 152 and the housing sealing member 252 when the filter element 1406 is disposed within the cover 102 coupled to the filter housing 104. Figure 15 As shown, when the cover 102 is coupled to the filter housing 104, the filter element 1406 is disposed between the filter housing 104 and the cover 102, and the filter end plate 1450 has an end plate height 1502 such that the filter end plate 1450 is compressed 1510 against the first cover end 120 and subsequently presses the filter seal member 152 into engagement with the housing seal member 252 on the opposite end of the filter element 1406. In some embodiments, the engagement and distribution of loads is similar to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The load distribution shown is such that the compressive force of the filter end plate 1450 resists jostling, movement, etc. of the filter element 1406 under vibration and oscillation.

[0126] The filter sealing member 152 of the filter element 1406 is similar to the filter sealing member 152 of the filter element 106 and is configured to engage the complementary housing sealing member 252 of the filter housing 104, as described above. Figures 3A-7D As described. Although the filter media 156 is shown as being arranged as a cylindrical filter block having a circular cross-sectional shape, the filter media 156 can be arranged into other shapes (e.g., a racetrack or oval shape). The filter media 156 can include, for example, a pleated filter media arranged as a panel or pleated block, or a corrugated filter media arranged as a panel, block, cylinder, racetrack shape, or other arrangement. The filter element 106 can be substantially rigid such that the shape of the filter element 106 remains substantially unchanged during installation and use. Rigidity can be achieved by using a frame (e.g., a rigid polyurethane frame, an injection molded frame, a thermoformed frame, a rotationally molded frame, a 3D printed frame, a stamped metal frame, etc.) or reinforcing members (e.g., pleating stabilizing strips, stiffening with a hardener (such as The filter medium 156 defines an inner filter medium cavity 158 .

[0127] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the cover 102 includes a first cover end 120 and a second cover end 122 that cooperate to define an internal cover cavity 118. The second cover end 122 includes a cover coupling member 126 that is configured to engage a complementary housing coupling member 136 on the filter housing 104. The cover coupling member 126 can be a rotational coupling member that forms a cavity and is configured to rotationally receive a protruding coupling member to couple (e.g., lock) the cover 102 to the filter housing 104. The first cover end 120 includes a filter element guide channel 128. The filter element guide channel 128 is configured to provide installation guidance and support for the filter element 1406. The filter element guide channel 128 is configured to receive one end of a filter end plate 1450 of the filter element 1406. In some embodiments, the filter element guide channel 128 extends beyond the end plate 1450 and is adjacent to a portion of the filter media 156. In some embodiments, filter element guide channel 128 and filter end plate 1450 engage to form a fluid seal, thereby preventing fluid from bypassing filter media 156 .

[0128] 14. The filter housing 104 includes a first protruding cover member 1132 and a second protruding cover member 1134. The first protruding cover member 1132 and the second protruding cover member 1134 are positioned between the center tube cavity 1118. The center tube cavity 1118 is configured to receive the first center tube end 1110 so that the filter element height 1180 extends from the first cover end 120 to the second housing end 142 to apply a load (e.g., a compressive force) to the filter element 1406 and the filter housing 104 when the cover 102 is coupled to the filter housing 104. In other words, as the cover 102 is coupled to the filter housing 104, the first center tube end 1110 contacts the center tube cavity 1118 and forces the inner and outer sealing portions of the filter element to engage and form a seal with complementary sealing portions of the filter housing 104. The first and second protruding cover members 1132 and 1134 contact the filter end plate 1450. In some embodiments, first and second protruding cover members 1132 , 1134 are configured to exert a load on filter element 106 and filter housing 104 when cover 102 , along with base tube 1102 , is coupled to filter housing 104 .

[0129] Figures 16A-16D Shown are side views of filter elements having different filter sealing member configurations at one end of the respective filter element. Figure 16A , a filter element 1600 is shown having a closed end plate 1614 and a filter sealing member 1602. The filter sealing member 1602 includes a plurality of lobes, a plurality of channels, and a support ring. The sealing radius 1612 of the filter sealing member 1602 is equal to the end plate radius 1610. Figure 16B , filter element 1620 is shown with a closed end plate 1634 and a filter sealing member 1622. The filter sealing member 1622 includes a plurality of lobes, a plurality of channels, and a support ring. The sealing radius 1632 of the filter sealing member 1622 is equal to the end plate radius 1630. Figure 16C , filter element 1640 is shown with a closed end plate 1654 and a filter sealing member 1642. The filter sealing member 1642 includes a plurality of disconnected lobes, a plurality of channels, and a support ring. The sealing radius 1652 of the filter sealing member 1642 is greater than the end plate radius 1650. Figure 16D , filter element 1660 is shown with a closed end plate 1674 and a filter seal member 1662. The filter seal member 1662 includes a support ring and only an inner seal member. The seal radius 1672 of the filter seal member 1662 is equal to the end plate radius 1670 (partly due to the lack of an outer seal). In some embodiments, Figures 16A-16DOne or more filter elements of the present invention have a set of internal lobes and / or channels. The filter seal mold can be modified and configured to produce a variety of filter seal member elements. Although the filter seal member is shown at one end of the corresponding filter element, the filter seal member can be provided on both sides of the filter element.

[0130] Go to Figure 17A , according to an example embodiment, a filter sealing member 1700 is shown. The filter sealing member 1700 includes a plurality of lobes 1702 and a plurality of guide channels 1704. Each lobe in the plurality of lobes is separated by a periodic angle 1710, and the periodic angle 1710 is associated with the number of lobes in the plurality of lobes 1702. Figure 17A As shown, the filter sealing member includes eighteen of the plurality of lobes 1702 and has a periodic angle of twenty degrees. In some embodiments, the filter sealing member 1700 may include an oriented lobe 1715 that extends radially away from the filter sealing member 1700 more than seventeen of the eighteen of the plurality of lobes 1702. Although seventeen of the eighteen of the plurality of lobes 1702 are shown as extending a distance L away from the filter sealing member 1700, the oriented lobe 1715 may extend axially away from the filter sealing member 1700 a distance different from L, which is shown as 2L. In some embodiments, the filter sealing member 1700 is configured to be received by a filter housing having a sealing member configured to receive the filter sealing member 1700 in a single orientation. Reference Figure 17B , according to an exemplary embodiment, a filter sealing member 1750 formed using a protective sealing mold is shown. The filter sealing member includes a plurality of lobes 1752 and a plurality of guide channels 1754. Each of the plurality of lobes is separated by a periodic angle 1710, and the periodic angle 1760 is associated with the number of lobes in the plurality of lobes 1752. Figure 17BShown, filter sealing member comprises nine convex angles in a plurality of convex angles 1752, and has a periodic angle of 40 degree.It is understandable that the filter sealing member with 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,12,15,18,20,24,30,36,48,60,72,90,100,120,190 or 360 convex angles can be embodied as the periodic angle with 360,180,120,90,72,60,45,36,30,24,20,18,15,12,10,7.5,6,5,4,3.6,3 and 1 degree respectively.The convex angle (and periodic angle) of other number is also possible.Obviously, any variation of the quantity, shape, position, angle etc. of the convex angle of filter sealing member will cause the variation of the quantity, shape, position, angle of mould convex angle in protective sealing mould.In certain embodiments, filter sealing member is arranged on the two ends of filter element.

[0131] It will be appreciated that the various components, configurations, and features of the different embodiments of the filter sealing member, cover, and / or filter housing may be combined depending on the desired application and configuration.

[0132] As used herein, the terms "connected" and "coupled" refer to the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0133] References herein to element positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are intended only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other example embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0134] It is important to note that the structure and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, the values ​​of the parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, the colors, the orientations, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, unless otherwise specifically noted, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A filter assembly comprising: A filter housing, comprising: a first housing end and a second housing end, the second housing end being disposed axially away from the first housing end, the first housing end and the second housing end defining an interior cavity therebetween; and a housing sealing member formed on the second housing end; a filter element disposed in the interior cavity, the filter element comprising: a filter medium comprising a first medium end and a second medium end disposed axially away from the first medium end; an end plate disposed at an end of the second medium; and a filter sealing member formed on the end plate, the filter sealing member including an inner sealing portion and an outer sealing portion, the filter sealing member being configured to engage the housing sealing member, the engaging end of the filter sealing member being complementary to the engaging end of the housing sealing member; and A cover is coupled to the filter housing at the first housing end, the cover ensuring engagement of the housing sealing member with the filter sealing member.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein The housing sealing member includes a complementary inner housing portion for engaging the inner sealing portion of the filter sealing member and a complementary outer housing portion for engaging the outer sealing portion of the filter sealing member.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein The housing sealing member is configured to receive the filter sealing member in translational and rotational engagement to couple the filter element and the filter housing.

4. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The inner seal portion includes an inner plurality of filter lobes, and the outer seal portion includes an outer plurality of filter lobes.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 4, wherein The housing sealing member includes an inner plurality of housing lobes, an inner plurality of housing guide channels, an outer plurality of housing lobes, and an outer plurality of housing guide channels, wherein the inner plurality of housing guide channels are used to receive the inner plurality of filter lobes, and the outer plurality of housing guide channels are used to receive the outer plurality of filter lobes.

6. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein: The inner plurality of filter lobes are angularly offset from the outer plurality of filter lobes.

7. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein: The angular distance between the inner plurality of filter lobes is equal to the angular distance between the outer plurality of filter lobes.

8. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein: The inner seal portion includes an inner plurality of guide channels disposed between each lobe of the inner plurality of filter lobes, and the outer seal portion includes an outer plurality of guide channels disposed between each lobe of the outer plurality of filter lobes.

9. The filter assembly of claim 8, wherein: The outer plurality of guide channels include an outer plurality of sealing portions for engaging a complementary outer plurality of sealing portions of the filter housing, and the inner plurality of guide channels include an inner plurality of sealing portions for engaging a complementary inner plurality of sealing portions of the filter housing.

10. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein: The inner plurality of guide channels includes the inner plurality of sealing portions in the form of an annular serpentine.

11. A filter element comprising: filter media; an end plate disposed at an end of the filter medium; A filter sealing member is formed on the end plate, the filter sealing member including an inner sealing portion and an outer sealing portion, the filter sealing member being configured such that when the filter element is placed within the interior cavity of the filter housing, an engaging end of the filter sealing member engages a complementary engaging portion of the filter housing.

12. The filter element of claim 11, wherein The inner sealing portion includes an inner plurality of lobes, and the outer sealing portion includes an outer plurality of lobes.

13. The filter element of claim 12, wherein The inner plurality of lobes are angularly offset from the outer plurality of lobes.

14. The filter element of claim 13, wherein The angular distances between the inner plurality of lobes are equal to the angular distances between the outer plurality of lobes.

15. The filter element according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The inner seal portion includes an inner plurality of guide channels disposed between each of the inner plurality of lobes, and the outer seal portion includes an outer plurality of guide channels disposed between each of the outer plurality of lobes.

16. The filter element of claim 15, wherein The outer plurality of guide channels include an outer plurality of sealing portions for engaging a complementary outer plurality of sealing portions of the filter housing, and the inner plurality of guide channels include an inner plurality of sealing portions for engaging a complementary inner plurality of sealing portions of the filter housing.

17. The filter element of claim 16, wherein The inner plurality of guide channels includes the inner plurality of sealing portions in the form of an annular serpentine.

18. A filter element comprising: filter media; an end plate disposed at an end of the filter medium; as well as A filter sealing member is formed on the end plate, and the filter sealing member includes: Internal convex corners; and An external lobe is angularly offset from the internal lobe, the internal and external lobes being configured to engage complementary engagement portions of a filter housing.

19. The filter element of claim 18, wherein The filter sealing member includes an inner plurality of lobes including the inner lobes, and a plurality of guide channels arranged between adjacent ones of the inner plurality of lobes.

20. A filter element according to claim 18 or 19, wherein The filter sealing member includes an inner plurality of lobes including the inner lobes, and an outer plurality of lobes including the outer lobes, wherein an angular distance between the inner plurality of lobes is equal to an angular distance between the outer plurality of lobes.

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