Clamped Filter Element for Exhaust Gas Recirculation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters for gas-carrying pipes in internal combustion engines face challenges due to high thermal loads, instability, and high manufacturing and installation costs, particularly in exhaust gas recirculation systems where ceramic and soot particles can cause damage, and the need for precise alignment and welding complicates the process.

Innovation Solution

A filter design where the filter element is placed on the edge of the pipe opening, extending radially and bent backwards, secured by a sleeve that clamps it between the pipe socket and the sleeve, eliminating the need for welding and reducing material costs by using a clamping connection that self-locks and maintains stability under thermal stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter element is permanently and functionally fixed in the pipeline, then the filtration reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase due to welding requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding-based mechanical connection system with a clamp-based mechanical system. The clamp (11) secures the filter element (1) to the pipe socket (2) through pure mechanical clamping force, eliminating the need for welding operations. This substitution maintains the permanent and functional fixation of the filter element while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost by removing welding equipment, skills, and quality control requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the filter element is permanently and functionally fixed in the pipeline, then the filtration reliability is improved, but the installation complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe socket (2) is pre-formed with an integrated clamp structure during manufacturing, including the clamping surface and securing mechanism. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for complex alignment and adjustment operations during installation, as the clamp is already positioned and configured to securely hold the filter element in the correct position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If narrow webs are used between holes in the cover to maintain flow efficiency, then the fluid flow is improved, but the structural strength decreases due to susceptibility to hot cracks under thermal load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flowVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cover structure with hole patterns from the filter design. Instead of using a cover with narrow webs that are susceptible to hot cracking, the invention uses a solid clamp (11) structure that provides both structural strength and flow passage through alternative means, eliminating the inherent weakness of narrow web structures under thermal loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a clamp structure made from materials with appropriate thermal and mechanical properties that can withstand high temperatures while maintaining structural integrity. The clamp material is selected to resist thermal expansion and hot cracking, providing both the necessary flow characteristics and the structural strength required in high-temperature exhaust gas recirculation environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 filter is cost-effectively assembled and securely fixed without welding, maintaining stability and preventing damage from thermal loads, ensuring efficient filtration and reducing the risk of particle-induced damage to engine components.

Implementation Method 1

a sleeve (7) which is designed in such a way that it can be placed with an axial joining movement on the pipe socket (2) and clamps the filter element (1) between itself and the end area (5) of the pipe socket (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a flat filter element (1) through which the fluid is conducted and thereby filtered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2589423B1Filter for insertion into a fluid-bearing pipe

Publication Date: 2014.12.24 WITZENMANN GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The filter has a support pipe (1) and a flat filter element (8) which is fixed at the support pipe and whose clear inner cross section is covered. The support pipe has a pipe socket (2) with an end area (5), an edge (4) closing the end area and a pipe opening (3) circumscribed from the edge. The filter element covers the pipe opening of the pipe socket, in which the filter element is fitted on the edge of the pipe opening. the pipe nozzle in its end area has a corrugation (9) or a bead running parallel to the edge.