Air Filter Support Elements for Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter elements in internal combustion engines, particularly in motor vehicles, face challenges in being reliably and precisely positioned within the filter housing, leading to mechanical stress and potential damage from vibrations and improper installation, especially with large and heavy filter elements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of support elements arranged on the filter bellows, which project beyond the filter element's edges, providing radial and axial support, vibration damping, and protection against mechanical stress, while also serving as guides during installation to prevent damage and ensure correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the filter element is made large and heavy to increase filtering capacity, then the filtering performance is improved, but the positioning precision and reliability deteriorate due to increased mechanical stress and vibration susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into a filter bellows and separate support elements. The support elements are distributed at multiple locations (corners and edges) to divide the load-bearing function, allowing the large filter surface area to be supported by multiple discrete points rather than a single structure, thereby maintaining positioning precision despite increased size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Support elements act as intermediary components between the filter bellows and the filter housing. These intermediaries transfer mechanical loads from the heavy filter element to the housing structure, providing stable positioning and reducing the direct mechanical stress on the filter medium, thus maintaining positioning precision in large filter elements.
2Quantity of substance
If the filter element is made large and heavy to increase filtering capacity, then the filtering performance is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased mechanical stress and vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple discrete support elements located at corners and edges of the filter bellows. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple contact points with the housing, preventing stress concentration that would occur with a single support structure, thereby improving reliability under vibration and load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are positioned in advance at critical locations (corners and edges) of the filter bellows to provide preemptive mechanical support. This beforehand cushioning prevents the filter medium from experiencing excessive mechanical stress during operation, installation, or vibration, thereby protecting the filter element and improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional sealing rings are used without additional support structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and protection against mechanical stress deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support to the filter bellows, ensure precise positioning within the housing, protect edges from damage, and can contribute to sealing by maintaining contact pressure. This multi-functionality adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving positioning precision and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing sealing ring complexity in the radial dimension, the solution adds support elements that extend into the axial dimension, projecting beyond the filter bellows to contact the housing. This dimensional approach provides positioning and protection without complicating the radial sealing structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the support elements project beyond the filter bellows, then the positioning precision and protection are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Support elements are placed only at critical locations where positioning and protection are most needed - specifically at the corners and edges of the filter bellows. This localized approach provides maximum positioning precision with minimal component quantity, avoiding the need for continuous support structures around the entire perimeter.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
Figure 10~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element (18), particularly a flat filter element, particularly of an air filter (10), particularly of an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, as well as an air filter (10). Said filter element (18) comprises a filter bellows (52) on which at least one support element (42) is arranged to support the filter element (18) against a filter housing (12) in which said filter element (18) may be arranged. The at least one support element (42) is arranged on at least one edge (70, 72, 74) of the filter bellows (52) and projects outwards from the top of said filter bellows (52).