Filter cartridge

Abstract

A fluid filter cartridge can include a first end cap, a second end cap, a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including a plurality of adjoining media sections arranged to define an interior volume having a convex multi-sided cross-sectional shape, and an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the plurality of media sections. In some examples, three media sections are provided such that the convex multi-sided cross-sectional shape has a generally triangular shape.

Description

FILTER CARTRIDGERELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 583,112, filed on September 15, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a filter element useful for a variety of industrial and engine applications, for example and in particular, for filtering liquid and gas fluids. More specifically, this disclosure concerns a filter element with increased particulate holding capacity.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fluid filter systems commonly use a disposable filter which is replaced at pre- established intervals of filter usage. The filter element may be used to filter a fluid comprising impurities. For example, the filter is often used to remove particulates from a liquid or gas to avoid damage to contaminant sensitive components, such as fuel injection equipment, or hydraulic equipment. Improvements over the prior art of such filter systems are desirable.SUMMARY

[0004] A filter element is provided that improves the prior art.

[0005] A fluid filter cartridge can include a first end cap, a second end cap, a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including a plurality of media sections arranged to define an interior volume having a convex multi-sided cross-sectional shape, and an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the plurality of media sections.

[0006] In some examples, the filter media arrangement includes three adjoining media sections and the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0007] In some examples, the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape having curved sides adjoined by curved corners.

[0008] Although variable pleat heights can be used to maximize surface area, media with generally constant pleat heights is often more desirable for manufacturing purposes.

[0009] In some examples, the filter media arrangement defines a first radial dimension extending from the longitudinal axis to a midpoint of an outer face of one of the plurality of media sections, wherein a ratio of the first radial dimension to a diameter of a circle circumscribing outer edges of the media sections is at least about 0.38.

[0010] In some examples, the ratio is between about 0.38 and about 0.47, inclusive.

[0011] In some examples, the ratio is about 0.43.

[0012] In some examples, the diameter is between 2 and 8 inches, inclusive.

[0013] In some examples, the filter media arrangement includes pleated media.

[0014] In some examples, the pleated media includes pleats having a common height.

[0015] In some examples, the filter arrangement includes at least 45 pleats.

[0016] In some examples, the filter arrangement includes between 50 and 70 pleats.

[0017] In some examples, each of the plurality of adjoining media sections has a number of pleats equal to each other of the plurality of adjoining media sections.

[0018] In some examples, each of the plurality of media sections has an inner perimeter length of between 1 and 5 inches, for example a length between 1.25 and 3.0 inches.

[0019] In some examples, the plurality of adjoining media sections includes at least three adjoining media sections.

[0020] In some examples, the plurality of adjoining media sections together define a total media area, wherein a ratio of the total media area to an area of a circle circumscribing outer edges of the media sections is greater than 0.5.

[0021] In some examples, the ratio is about 0.55.

[0022] In one example, a fluid filter cartridge can include a first end cap; a second end cap; a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including three adjoining media sections defining an interior volume having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape; and an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the plurality of media sections.

[0023] In one example, a fluid filter cartridge can include a first end cap; a second end cap; a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including a plurality of adjoining media sections arranged to define an interior volume having a non-circular cross-sectional shape with at least three corner portions; and an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the plurality of media sections.

[0024] In one example, a fluid filter cartridge can include a first end cap; a second end cap; a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis; and an inner support structure supporting the filter media arrangement, the inner support structure defining an interior volume having a non-circular cross- sectional shape with at least three corner portions. In some examples, the filter media arrangement includes at least two adjoining media sections and the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape with three corner portions. In some examples, the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape having curved sides adjoined by curved corners.

[0025] In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have at least bilateral symmetry. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces arranged to define a convex shape. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces that are curved.

[0026] In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces that are straight. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have between three and six adjoining side surfaces.

[0027] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings follows.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a filter cartridge installed within a housing and constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the filter cartridge and housing shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 2-2.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the filter cartridge and housing shown in Figure 2.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the filter cartridge shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the filter cartridge shown in Figure 4, taken along the line 5-5.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a second example of a filter cartridge in accordance with principles of this disclosure, and being installable within the housing shown at Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a third example of a filter cartridge in accordance with principles of this disclosure, and being installable within the housing shown at Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a fourth example of a filter cartridge in accordance with principles of this disclosure, and being installable within the housing shown at Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional top view of the filter cartridge and housing shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 2-2.

[0038] Figure 10 is a schematic first perspective view of a fifth example of a filter cartridge in accordance with principles of this disclosure, and being installable within the housing shown at Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic second perspective view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic first end view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0042] Figure 14 is a schematic second end view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0043] Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0044] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10, taken along the line 16-16 in Figure 13.

[0045] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10, taken along the line 17-17 in Figure 15.

[0046] Figure 18 is a schematic end view of a filter media arrangement of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0047] Figure 19 is a schematic end view of an example filter media arrangement usable with the filter cartridges shown in Figures 1-5, 9, and 10.

[0048] Figure 20 is a schematic end view of an example pleated filter media arrangement usable with the filter cartridge shown in Figure 6.

[0049] Figure 21 is a photographic perspective view of the filter cartridge shown at Figure 10.

[0050] Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of an internal support structure usable with any of the filter cartridges disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examples does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for the appended claims. Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures.

[0052] Example filter cartridges, and aspects thereof, useful for filtering fluids, are depicted in Figures 1-20. The filter cartridge will typically be removably secured to a filter head (not shown). In an aspect, fluid to be filtered will flow through the filter head, into the filter cartridge as unfiltered fluid, out of the filter cartridge as filtered fluid, and back into the filter head, in which it then flows to downstream equipment. The filter cartridgesdisclosed herein are usable as part of a fdter assembly, in which the entire cartridge, including an inner media and outside housing, is removable from the filter head and replaced with a new one when the media is clogged or at the end of the usual service life. In such a application, the filter cartridge is not removable from the outer housing. This type of arrangement can be contrasted with a bowl-cartridge assembly, in which the filter cartridge is replaceable. In some non-limiting example configurations, the disclosed filter cartridges are provided as threaded, spin-on type filter cartridges. Other configurations are possible.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, an example housing 10 and filter cartridge 100 are depicted. As shown, the housing 10 includes a cylindrical outer sidewall 10a defining an interior volume 10b within which the filter cartridge is received. Other sidewall shapes for the housing 10 are possible. As noted above, the combination may be arranged such that the filter cartridge 100 is removable from the housing 10 or may be arranged such that the filter cartridge 100 is permanently secured within the housing 10. It is noted that in the schematic depiction of Figure 1, aspects of the housing are not shown such that the filter cartridge 100 can be more easily viewed. In the view of Figure 1, it can be seen that the filter cartridge 100 includes an open end cap 102 defining a central opening 102a for fitment to a filter head.

[0054] Figures 2 and 3 show a lateral cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge 100 and housing 10 shown in Figure 1, where it can be more easily seen that the filter cartridge 100 additionally includes a filter media arrangement 104 supported by an inner support structure 106. In one aspect, the filter media arrangement 104 and inner support structure 106 define an interior volume 110 that is in direct fluid communication with the central opening 102a of the open end cap 102. The filter cartridge 100 and housing 10 can be configured for inside-out or outside-in flow. For example, fluid can flow into opening 102a and into interior volume 110, through the filter media arrangement 104, into an interstitial space 10c between the housing 10 and filter media arrangement 104, and out of the housing 10 via additionally provided ports (not shown). Alternatively, fluid can flow into the interstitial space 10c, through the filter media arrangement 104, into the interior volume 110, and out of the opening 102a.

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, it can be additionally viewed that the filter cartridge includes a closed end cap 108 and that the filter media arrangement 104 extends longitudinally with generally straight sides. Other arrangements are possible. For example, the filter media arrangement 104 could be configured with a taper from one end to an opposite end.

[0056] With reference to Figure 5, the inner support structure 106 is shown as having a generally triangular shape having sides 106a, 106b, 106c. In the example shown, the sides 106a, 106b, 106c have the same length such that the sides generally define an equilateral triangle. The sides 106a, 106b, 106c may be straight or may be provided with a curved shape, as is shown in the example of Figures 10-18. In some arrangements, one or more of the sides 106a, 106b, 106c may have a length that is different from one or more of the other sides. In the example, shown, the filter media arrangement 104 includes a first section 104a arranged along the support structure first side 106a, a second section 104b arranged along the support structure second side 106b, and a third section 104c arranged along the support structure third side 106c. In one example, the filter media arrangement 104 is formed with pleated media 104d with fold lines of the pleats extending in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the filter cartridge 100. Although the pleated media 104d is shown schematically in Figure 5 across only a portion of media section 104a, it is to be understood that the pleated media 104d extends across the length of the sides 106a, 106b, 106c for all three media sections 104a, 104b, 104c. In some examples, the first, second, and third sections 104a, 104b, 104c are formed by a single sheet of pleated or folded media. In one aspect, the filter media arrangement 104 can be formed from natural or synthetic materials. For example, cellulose, fine fiber, polypropylene, glass, and other media materials, alone or in various combinations, may be used to form the filter media arrangement 104. One example of a suitable filter media is Synteq media, a combination of a synthetic fibers combined with glass fibers, sold by Donaldson, Inc., the applicant of this application. In some examples, the filter media of the filter media arrangement 104 is configured and arranged to filter particles of 4 to 14 microns in size.

[0057] In one aspect, the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c can be circumscribed by a circle Cl. By circumscribed, it is intended to mean that the circle Cl is defined such that the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c reside entirely within the circle Cl and such that the circle Cl touches or contacts outer edges, or at least one portion, of each of the mediasections 104a, 104b, 104c. As is discussed in more detail below, the disclosed arrangement enables for the filter media arrangement 104 to have a greater surface area within circle Cl in comparison to a typical prior art arrangement, in which pleated media is arranged in a cylindrical arrangement about a circular internal diameter, sized to be received into the same sized housing 10.

[0058] Other similarly advantageous arrangements are possible for filter media arrangement 104 in addition to the interior volume 110 having a generally triangular cross- sectional shape. For example, the arrangements 200, 300, 400 at Figures 6, 7, and 8 respectively show four, five, and six-sided arrangements with respective media sections 204, 304, 304 and inner support structures 206, 306, 406. Notably, as more sides are added, the resulting shape more closely resembles the shape of a circle such that the media surface area advantage over a cylindrical shape is gradually diminished. In one aspect, the cross-sectional shapes shown at Figures 5 to 8 can be characterized as being non-circular or non-elliptical shapes, and also as being a convex multi-sided shape. In one characterization, these shapes can be referred to as being symmetrical and / or polygonal. Examples in which rounded corners and / or curved sides are provided, such as can be most readily seen for the example shown at Figure 18, may likewise be referred to as forming convex multi-sided shapes and may also be referred to as being generally polygonal and / or as having a rounded polygonal cross-sectional shape. The triangular shaped shown at Figure 18 may also be referred to as a Reuleaux triangle or a rounded Reuleaux triangle as the corners are provided with a curve. The fluid fdter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has three orders of rotational symmetry. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have at least bilateral symmetry. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces arranged to define a convex shape. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces that are curved.

[0059] In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have adjoining side surfaces that are straight. In examples, the media sections and / or inner support structures have between three and six adjoining side surfaces.

[0060] Referring to Figure 9, further aspects and dimensions of the filter cartridge 100 and housing 10 are indicated. As shown, the circle Cl circumscribing the media sections 104a,104b, 104c, and touching the outer pleat tip comers of the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c has a radius R extending from the longitudinal axis X, and a diameter DI being twice the radius R. Further, the housing 10 defines an inside diameter D2 which is at least the same size or greater than diameter DI . In the examples presented, DI and D2 are equal as corners CR1, CR2 of the media sections can extend fully to the inside of the housing wall. This is in contrast to a cylindrical media arrangement in which D2 must be greater than DI in order to create an interstitial space to allow for fluid flow.

[0061] Each of the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c can be characterized as having an inner perimeter length LI and a height Hl that can be multiplied together to define a media area Al. In the examples disclosed herein, the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c are provided with constant height pleats having a height Hl . Although media sections having variable pleat heights are possible, such constructions involve increased complexity and costs. In contrast, the concepts disclosed herein enable for the production of a filter cartridge having significantly increased media surface area while remaining economical to produce. In some cases, for example as shown at Figure 19, the shape of the media section is non-rectangular, or at least not entirely rectangular, such that the media fans out to define an outer perimeter length that is greater than the inner perimeter length. In such cases, the media area Al is still calculated as being the inner perimeter length LI times the height Hl as the maximum media density is determined by the inner perimeter length LI. Notably, the increased geometric area occupied by the fanned-out media at the outer perimeter does not provide for any actual increase in media surface area. The same holds true for typical prior art configurations with media arranged about a circular inner perimeter. Support structure sides 106a, 106b, 106c can also be characterized as having a length LI. In some examples, the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c have length LI ranging from 1 to 5 inches, for example ranging from 1.25 to 3.0 inches.

[0062] The filter cartridge 100 can also be characterized as having a dimension S as a function of the inner perimeter length LI and radius R, as follows:[Equation 1]In one aspect, the dimension S can be characterized as being a radial dimension defining the length between the longitudinal axis X, which coincides with the center of the circleCl, and the midpoint MP of a line extending between the outer comers CR1, CR2. Where the pleat section defines a straight outer face, the midpoint will lie along the outer face of the media section. In more general terms, the dimension S can be defined as extending to the midpoint of the outer face of the media section, which is more readily applicable to media sections having curved or non-regular shapes, such as is shown in Figure 19. In some examples, the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c have S values ranging from 1.56 to 1.90 inches. Using dimension S, the height Hl of each pleat section 104a, 104b, 104c can be calculated, as follows: [Equation 2]

[0063] Using Equations 1 and 2, the optimum or maximum total media area A, equivalent to 3 x Al for generally triangular liner shapes, available for media can be determined for a given diameter DI . To illustrate, Table 1 is provided below showing the total area using an example diameter Dl of 3.5 inches in which Ll is varied between 1.25 inches and 2.2 inches.TABLE 1As can be seen above, the total area is maximized to 5.30 square inches at a length LI of 1.75 inches, which results in an S / D (or S / Dl) ratio of 0.433. Notably, using an S / D ratio of approximately .433 will result in a maximized total area of a generally triangular media arrangement for any diameter. With practical considerations taken into account (e.g., media thickness, number of pleats folds, etc.), it has been determined that the S / D ratio will result in optimal media area for at least diameter D ranging between 2 inches and 8 inches, with flow rates ranging between 2 and 300 gallons per minute, depending upon application. In comparison to a cylindrical media arrangement designed for use within the same housing, the disclosed triangular arrangement represents up to a 50 percent increase in the media area and a corresponding potential increase in 2.5 to 3 times the loading capacity. Accordingly, S / D ratios between of .395 to .464 still result in an increased media area and consequent increased loading capacity above a cylindrical element. The total media section area A may also be expressed as a ratio to the area of the circle defined by DI. When so characterized, the disclosed triangular design has an area ratio of .55. As cylindrical media arrangements require at least some interstitial space between the insideof the housing and the end of the pleat tips, these area advantages are even greater in practice, as the outside corners of the media in a generally triangular arrangement can extend fully to the inside of the housing. The arrangements shown at Figures 5 to 8 also have a media area advantage over an optimized cylindrical element. However, as the number of sides increase, the range of lengths LI that result in a greater media area reside within progressively narrower bands.

[0064] Referring to Figures 10 to 18 and 21, an example filter cartridge 100 in accordance with the above concepts is presented. As shown, the filter cartridge 100 includes a filter media arrangement 104 having three media sections 104a, 104b, 104c arranged about and supported by an inner support structure 106, each of which extends between end caps 102, 108. In the example shown, the end cap 102 is an open end cap while the end cap 108 is a closed end cap. Other arrangements are possible, for example, an arrangement in which both end caps 102, 108 are open end caps. In one aspect, the end caps 102, 108 are permanently secured to the filter media arrangement 104 and the inner support structure 106. The end caps 102, 108 can be bonded or otherwise permanently secured in a variety of processes including potting or molding. The end caps 102, 108 can be made of a variety of materials including a nylon, molded plastics, or metal. Referring to Figure 21, a photographic image of an actually constructed filter cartridge 100 using pleated media is provided, wherein it can be seen that a wire mesh 104e can be provided to support the pleats 104d.

[0065] In one aspect, the end cap 102 is provided with an axially extending extension member 102b at least partially defining the opening 102a. In the example shown, the extension member 102b defines a groove 102c for receiving a seal member 102e, for example, an O-ring schematically shown at Figure 16. The groove 102c is shown as being on the radially inward side of the extension member 102b such that the extension member 102b can be inserted over and seal to a radially outward facing surface. Alternatively or in addition, the groove 102c can also be placed on the radially outward side of the extension member 102b where it is desired that the extension member 102b be installed within a radially inward facing surface. Further, multiple grooves 102c and seal members 102e may be provided where multiple seals are desired. Referring to Figure 13, it can be seen that the opening 102a defined by the extension member 102b generally circumscribes theopen end of the inner support structure 106, and thus defines a larger area in comparison to the opening defined by the inner support structure 106. A remaining portion 102d of the end cap 102 covers the axial end of the filter media arrangement 104 such that all flow through the opening 102a must pass into or out of the interior volume 110.

[0066] In one aspect, the inner support structure 106 is formed as an elongate tubular member having three sides 106a, 106b, 106c, each of which defining a plurality of openings or apertures 106d for allowing fluid to pass through the inner support structure and between the interior volume 110 and filter media arrangement 104. As annotated at Figure 17, the inner support structure 106 also includes radially extending support members 106e, 106f, 106d that respectively extend from the longitudinal axis X to the sides 106a, 106b, 106c. The support members 106e, 106f, 106g provide structural support to the sides 106a, 106b, 106c to resist against collapsing due to fluid differential pressures exerted from the filter media arrangement side. To further strengthen the inner support structure 106, the sides 106a, 106b, 106c are provided with a slight radially outward camber rather than being completely straight. Even when provided with curved sides, the inner support structure may still be referred to as defining a generally triangular or generally triangular shape provided there are at least three locations at which discernable corners are formed. This convex curved feature also optimizes space within the filter housing and increases the downstream flow area to help minimize fluid pressure drop. As fluid pressure differentials across filter media in fuel filtration application can be quite large, cylindrically-shaped inner support structures are typically provided. As such, the disclosed design represents a departure from the standard designs. Other inner support structure arrangements are possible. For example, the inner support structure 106 could be configured as a helical coil spring to support the inner side of the media 104, as is shown at Figure 22.

[0067] Referring to Figure 19, filter media arrangement 104 is shown in greater detail in which the arrangement is formed from a continuous loop of media folded into pleats. As noted previously, the media arrangement shown in Figure 19 has sections 104a, 104b, 104c with curved inner and outer sides. Notably, the radius of the outer side is larger than the radius R1 of the circle Cl circumscribing the media sections 104a, 104b, 104c. With such an example, the length LI of the inner side will be slightly longer due to the curvature ofthe media sections 104a, 104b, 104c. In the example shown, each media section 104a, 104b, 104c includes 15 pleats for a total of 45 pleats. More or fewer may be provided. For example, between 50 and 75 pleats may be provided. A similar configuration using pleat folds on four sides for a filter media arrangement 204 is presented at Figure 20.

[0068] From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end cap; b) a second end cap; c) a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including a plurality of media sections arranged to define an interior volume having a convex multisided cross-sectional shape; and d) an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the plurality of media sections.

2. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the filter media arrangement includes three adjoining media sections and wherein the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

3. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape having curved sides adjoined by curved corners.

4. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 2, or any other preceding claim, wherein the filter media arrangement defines a first radial dimension extending from the longitudinal axis to a midpoint of an outer face of one of the plurality of media sections, wherein a ratio of the first radial dimension to a diameter of a circle circumscribing outer edges of the media sections is at least about 0.38.

5. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 4, or any other preceding claim, wherein the ratio is between about 0.38 and about 0.47, inclusive.

6. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 5, or any other preceding claim, wherein the ratio is about 0.43.

7. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 4, or any other preceding claim, wherein the diameter is between 2 and 8 inches, inclusive.

8. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the filter media arrangement includes pleated media.

9. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 8, or any other preceding claim, wherein the pleated media includes pleats having a common height.

10. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 9, or any other preceding claim, wherein the filter arrangement includes at least 45 pleats.

11. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 10, or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of media sections has a number of pleats equal to each other of the plurality of media sections.

12. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of media sections has an inner perimeter length of between 1 and 5 inches.

13. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of media sections includes at least three adjoining media sections.

14. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of media sections together define a total media area, wherein a ratio of the total media area to an area of a circle circumscribing outer edges of the media sections is greater than 0.5.

15. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 12, or any other preceding claim, wherein the ratio is about 0.55.

16. A fluid filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end cap; b) a second end cap; c) a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis, the filter media arrangement including at least two media sections defining an interior volume having a generally triangular cross- sectional shape; and d) an inner support structure disposed within the interior volume and supporting each of the at least two media sections.

17. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 16, wherein the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape having curved sides adjoined by curved comers.

18. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 16 or 17, wherein the filter media arrangement defines a first radial dimension extending from the longitudinal axis to a midpoint of an outer face of one of the at least two media sections, wherein a ratio of the first radial dimension to a diameter of a circle circumscribing outer edges of the media sections is at least about 0.38.

19. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 18, wherein the ratio is between about 0.38 and about 0.47, inclusive.

20. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 18 or 19, wherein the ratio is about 0.43.

21. The fluid filter cartridge of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the diameter is between 2 and 8 inches, inclusive.

22. The fluid filter cartridge of any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the filter media arrangement includes pleated media.

23. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 22, wherein the pleated media includes pleats having a common height.

24. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 22 or 23, wherein the filter arrangement includes at least 45 pleats.

25. The fluid filter cartridge of any of claims 22 to 24, wherein each of the at least two media sections has a number of pleats equal to each other of the at least two media sections.

26. The fluid filter cartridge of any of claims 16 to 25, wherein each of the at least two media sections has an inner perimeter length of between 1 and 5 inches.

27. The fluid filter cartridge of any of claims 16 to 26, wherein the at least two media sections include at least three adjoining media sections.

28. A fluid filter cartridge comprising: a) a first end cap; b) a second end cap; c) a filter media arrangement extending between the first and second end caps along a longitudinal axis; and d) an inner support structure supporting the filter media arrangement, the inner support structure defining an interior volume having a non-circular cross- sectional shape with at least three corner portions.

29. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 28, wherein the filter media arrangement includes at least two media sections and wherein the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape with three comer portions.

30. The fluid filter cartridge of claim 28 or 29, wherein the interior volume has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape having curved sides adjoined by the at least three corner portions.

31. The fluid filter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has three orders of rotational symmetry.

32. The fluid filter cartridge of any of preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has at least bilateral symmetry.

33. The fluid filter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has adjoining side surfaces arranged to define a convex shape.

34. The fluid filter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has adjoining side surfaces that are curved.

35. The fluid filter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has adjoining side surfaces that are straight.

36. The fluid filter cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inner support structure has between three and six adjoining side surfaces.

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