Air Cleaner Cartridge With Axial Seal and Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cleaners for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficient filter media servicing and sealing, leading to reduced operational life and increased maintenance costs due to complex assembly and potential air leaks.
Innovation Solution
The air cleaner design incorporates a primary filter cartridge with an outer support framework that includes a shielded area for dust evacuation and a porous section for airflow, along with an improved sealing mechanism using an axial seal between the cartridge and the housing, and a secondary safety filter cartridge with a separate inner support structure, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If filter media is contained in a removable or replaceable cartridge, then filter servicing is improved, but assembly complexity and sealing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air cleaner is divided into a housing and a separate removable filter cartridge assembly. The cartridge contains the filter media and can be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the entire air cleaner, simplifying maintenance while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is nested within the housing, with the cartridge containing the filter media and support structure. This nested arrangement allows the cartridge to be inserted and secured within the housing, providing a compact design that maintains sealing while enabling easy removal for servicing.
2Ease of repair
If filter media is contained in a removable or replaceable cartridge, then filter servicing is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is pre-installed on the cartridge assembly before the cartridge is inserted into the housing. This preliminary placement of the seal ensures proper sealing engagement when the cartridge is installed, maintaining sealing reliability while allowing the cartridge to remain removable for servicing.
3Strength
If an inner support extends the entire length of the element, then structural support is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into an outer support framework and a separate inner support. The inner support does not extend the entire length of the filter element but is positioned only where needed to provide structural support to the filter media, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner support is positioned locally at specific regions where structural support is most needed, rather than extending uniformly throughout the entire element length. This localized support approach provides adequate structural integrity while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the operational life of the filter media by improving airflow and reducing air leaks, making maintenance more accessible and efficient, while maintaining effective filtration and dust evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a porous area, for permitting air flow to the media in a preferred manner
Implementation Method 2
an improved sealing mechanism using an axial seal between the cartridge and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.