Annular Filter Sealing Element with Groove Recesses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing annular filter elements face challenges in maintaining a tight seal between the dirty and clean sides over a long period of operation, particularly due to uneven stress distribution and potential deformation during insertion into filter housings.

Innovation Solution

The annular filter element features a circumferential sealing element with varying cross-sectional areas and geometries, including groove-shaped recesses and support ribs, to accommodate different stress levels and stabilize the sealing sections, ensuring a secure fit and increased sealing force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a uniform sealing element design is used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing performance deteriorates due to uneven stress distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing element structureVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is designed with varying cross-sectional areas along its circumference, with larger cross-sections at high-stress locations (narrow sides) and smaller cross-sections at low-stress locations (long sides). This local differentiation of geometric properties allows the sealing element to adapt to the non-uniform stress distribution, maintaining reliable sealing performance without requiring an overly complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the filter element is inserted into the housing, then the device becomes functional, but deformation occurs causing seal failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidsealing element shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Groove-shaped recesses are pre-formed in the sealing element at locations where deformation is expected during insertion. These recesses act as deformation zones that absorb insertion stresses, preventing unwanted deformation of the critical sealing surfaces. This preliminary structural preparation ensures the sealing element can be inserted into the housing while maintaining its sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If the sealing element has larger cross-sectional area throughout, then sealing force is sufficient, but material consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing forceVSAvoidsealing material
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element features non-uniform cross-sectional areas optimized for local stress requirements. Larger cross-sections are positioned at narrow sides where higher sealing forces are needed, while smaller cross-sections are used at long sides where lower forces are required. This local differentiation ensures sufficient sealing force at critical locations while minimizing overall material consumption and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3452203B1Annular filter element, in particular for gas filtration
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3452203B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3452203B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An annular filter element comprises a filter medium element, on the end face of which a continuous sealing element is placed that has at least one sealing portion with a larger cross-sectional area and another sealing portion with a reduced cross-sectional area; at least one sealing portion having a reduced cross-sectional area includes a groove-type recess which extends at least nearly along the entire length or part of the length of the sealing portion having a reduced cross-sectional area.