Concentric Bellows Filter Element With Common End Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for gaseous fluids in fuel cell applications lack simplicity and high filtration efficiency, particularly in designs that combine particle and noxious gas filtration effectively.
Innovation Solution
A round filter element with concentrically arranged particle and noxious gas filter medium bodies configured as hollow bellows, both covered by common end plates, and supported by a gas-permeable support element, allowing radial flow and enhanced filtration efficiency through the use of folded filter media and gas-permeable layers to reduce friction and prevent particle discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate hollow-cylindrical filter modules are arranged concentrically for particle and noxious gas filtration, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate filter modules (particle filter and noxious gas filter) into a single integrated round filter element with concentric arrangement. The inner filter body handles particle filtration while the outer filter body handles noxious gas filtration, both sharing a common structure and flow chamber, thereby achieving high filtration efficiency while reducing overall device complexity compared to completely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the inner filter body (particle filter) is positioned concentrically within the outer filter body (noxious gas filter). This nesting arrangement allows both filtration functions to be performed simultaneously within a compact structure, improving space utilization and reducing the overall footprint of the filtration system
2Reliability
If folded filter media are used to increase filtration surface area, then filtration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses folded filter media configured as bellows-like structures that can be compressed during operation. This folding approach increases the effective filtration surface area within a compact volume while maintaining flexibility that simplifies installation and integration into the filter housing, balancing manufacturing complexity with filtration efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If common end plates are used to cover both filter medium bodies, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow-tight sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different sealing solutions for different regions of the common end plates. Flow-tight sealing elements are specifically integrated at critical interfaces where sealing is required, while other areas of the end plates maintain simple structural design for ease of manufacture. This localized approach to sealing ensures reliability without compromising manufacturing simplicity
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
The solution enables efficient filtration of gaseous fluids by effectively separating particles and noxious gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, while simplifying manufacturing and ensuring high filtration efficiency and reduced operational forces.
Implementation Method 1
gas-permeable layers to reduce friction and prevent particle discharge
Implementation Method 2
particle filter medium body configured as a hollow body for particle filtration of the gaseous fluid and with a separate noxious gas filter medium body configured as a hollow body for noxious gas filtration
Data Source
AI summary
A round filter element for filtering gaseous fluid has a particle filter medium body and a separate noxious gas filter medium body arranged concentrically in relation to the particle filter medium body. The particle filter medium body and the noxious gas filter medium body surround an inwardly positioned flow chamber. A first common end plate flow-tightly covers a respective first end face of the particle filter medium body and of the noxious gas filter medium body. A second common end plate flow-tightly covers a respective second end face of the particle filter medium body and of the noxious gas filter medium body. The particle filter medium body is a filter bellows and the noxious gas filter medium body is a filter bellows. A filter device having a filter housing is provided with such a filter element.