Axial Flange Snap-Fit Filter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving a secure, air-tight sealing due to limited sealing surfaces, leading to potential dust entry and engine performance issues, increased maintenance, and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a housing featuring a flange that allows for a snap-fit connection with filter elements, utilizing complementary C-shaped coupling surfaces for secure attachment and minimal compressive force, enhancing sealing efficiency and ease of replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial seal is utilized for sealing filter elements to a filter housing, then the filter elements can be secured to the housing, but the sealing surface is limited and sealing reliability is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial sealing arrangement to an axial sealing arrangement by extending the flange along the longitudinal axis of the housing. This dimensional change allows the sealing surface to extend axially rather than radially, significantly increasing the effective sealing area and improving sealing reliability without increasing the radial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple sealing surfaces: an outer sealing surface on the flange and an inner sealing surface on the filter element. This segmentation allows for distributed sealing contact, improving overall sealing reliability by providing multiple contact zones rather than relying on a single radial interface.
2Reliability
If compressive force is applied to secure filter elements, then sealing can be achieved, but the complexity of the sealing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure is designed to self-generate the necessary compressive force through its geometric configuration. The outer sealing surface of the flange and the corresponding inner sealing surface of the filter element create a self-contained sealing interface that maintains contact pressure through the inherent geometry of the coupled surfaces, eliminating the need for external compression mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filter elements are securely sealed to prevent dust entry, then engine protection is improved, but the difficulty of filter element replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a removable filter element and a stationary housing with flange. This segmentation allows the filter element to be independently removed and replaced while maintaining the permanent sealing infrastructure of the flange, facilitating easy maintenance while preserving sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange and coupling surfaces are pre-configured with complementary geometries that guide proper alignment during installation. This preliminary configuration of the sealing interface ensures that when the filter element is installed, the sealing surfaces automatically engage in the correct position, making replacement straightforward while ensuring dust-tight sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coupling filter elements to at least one flange extending inside a housing are disclosed. In one aspect, a filter system may include a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a first end, a second end, a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, a longitudinal centerline, and at least one flange extending inside the housing; and a plurality of filter elements located inside the housing, the plurality of filter elements each including an end shaped to couple directly to the at least one flange.