Annular Filter Seal Integration for Crankcase Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crankcase ventilation systems require multiple seals to achieve three sealing functions, leading to increased complexity and installation space usage, while existing solutions do not efficiently integrate sealing and pressure control functions.
Innovation Solution
A combined sealing element with radially and axially sealing regions, configured to be continuous and functionally independent, which integrates into a single part to seal the pre-filtration side from the post-filtration side and atmosphere, and includes a clean fluid discharge element with a sealing surface for the pressure control valve, reducing the number of components and installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual seals are used to perform three sealing functions, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single combined seal that integrates a first sealing element for sealing the pre-filtration side from the post-filtration side, and a second sealing element for sealing the post-filtration side from the atmosphere. This merging reduces the total number of seals from three individual seals to one combined seal, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined seal is designed to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously: it seals the pre-filtration side from the post-filtration side, seals the post-filtration side from the atmosphere, and works in conjunction with the clean fluid discharge element to provide integrated sealing and pressure control. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple individual seals are used to perform three sealing functions, then sealing reliability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined seal merges multiple sealing elements into a single integrated component that occupies less installation space than three separate seals would require. The first and second sealing elements are arranged in a compact configuration within the combined seal structure, reducing the overall space needed while maintaining all necessary sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined seal structure nests the first sealing element and second sealing element within a single integrated component housing. This nesting arrangement allows both sealing elements to coexist in a compact package, reducing the installation footprint compared to having three separate seals distributed throughout the system.
3Device complexity
If sealing functions are integrated with pressure control function, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the pressure control function by integrating the combined seal with the clean fluid discharge element. The clean fluid discharge element includes a sealing surface that serves dual purposes: it provides sealing for the post-filtration side from the atmosphere, and it serves as the pressure control valve seat. This integration reduces the number of components while concentrating precision requirements on specific critical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire integrated component, the patent applies local quality by concentrating manufacturing precision requirements on the specific sealing surface of the clean fluid discharge element where it contacts the pressure control valve. Other portions of the integrated component can have lower precision requirements, balancing overall manufacturing feasibility with functional performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An annular filter element and sealing element for an oil separator of a crankcase ventilation system, the filter element has a covering surface extending parallel to a direction of flow, together with at least one cover element covering surface in at least some regions. An oil separator is taught having the filter element with at least one pressure control valve controlling crankcase pressure and has a valve closing body that operates in conjunction with a valve seat. The sealing element having at least one radially sealing region that is configured to act in the direction of the radius of the annular filter element, and at least one axially sealing region that is configured to act in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the annular filter element.