Air Filter Element With Segmented Primary And Secondary Air Passages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters with both primary and secondary air outlets face challenges in maintaining unobstructed flow through the primary outlet due to interference from the secondary outlet, which affects the velocity profile and volume flow of clean air.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a star-shaped filter medium that includes a central primary air passage and a separate secondary air passage, where the secondary air passage is formed by a passage socket extending through a circumferentially closed cutout in the filter medium, allowing for independent flow paths without significant interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary air outlet is added to the air filter, then the versatility and functionality of the air filter is improved, but the flow through the primary air outlet is significantly affected due to interference from the secondary outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The internal flow path of the filter element is segmented into separate channels: a first channel for primary air flow from the primary air inlet to the primary air outlet, and a second channel for secondary air flow from the secondary air inlet to the secondary air outlet. This segmentation allows both outlets to function independently without significant interference, resolving the contradiction between versatility and primary outlet productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the secondary air passage through the filter element body in a direction that is spatially separated from the primary air passage. This dimensional separation allows both air streams to coexist without interfering with each other's velocity profiles and flow characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary air outlet is added to the air filter, then the ability to provide filtered air for multiple purposes is improved, but the velocity profile of clean air at the primary air outlet is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element's internal structure is segmented into distinct flow channels, with the primary air passage maintaining its original velocity profile characteristics while the secondary air passage is routed separately. This segmentation ensures that the velocity profile quality at the primary air outlet is preserved despite the addition of the secondary outlet capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different flow path characteristics in different regions of the filter element. The primary air passage is optimized for maintaining velocity profile quality, while the secondary air passage is configured for its specific application, allowing each region to have the quality characteristics needed for its function.
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 ensures that the flow through the primary air outlet is not significantly affected by the secondary air outlet, maintaining a qualitative air flow velocity profile and preventing leakage, while effectively separating the clean air passages to enhance filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium (32) folded in a star shape which surrounds a longitudinal axis (33) of the filter element (30) in an annular shape, wherein the filter medium can be flowed through in radial direction from the exterior to the interior
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element has a filter medium folded in a star shape that surrounds annularly a longitudinal axis of the filter element and is flowed through radially from exterior to interior. The filter element has a primary air passage and a secondary air passage. In the filter medium, a cutout is formed that penetrates a plurality of folds of the filter medium. A passage socket at which the secondary air passage is formed extends through the cutout. An air filter provided with a filter housing having a raw air inlet, a primary air outlet, and a secondary air outlet, has such a filter element that separates in the filter housing a raw side communicating with the raw air inlet from a clean side. The primary air outlet communicates through the primary air passage and the secondary air outlet through the secondary air passage with the clean side, respectively.