Closed Filter Cartridge With Eccentric Seal Washer Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements integrated with eccentric masts are limited in using standard cylindrical parts, leading to shallower pleat depth, uneven pleat spacing, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple seals, which restricts their applicability and increases inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable cylindrical filter cartridge with a modular end cap design that can fit various eccentric mast designs by modifying only one end cap, utilizing a seal washer with eccentric features to secure the filter element to the mast, reducing the need for multiple seals and allowing a single filter product to fit most solutions, thereby minimizing inventory costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-circular filter components are used to accommodate eccentric masts, then the filter element can be indexed or clocked within the housing, but the pleat depth becomes shallower and pleat spacing becomes uneven, reducing the maximum filtration media threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is divided into two functional zones: a concentric cylindrical portion that interfaces with the filter element and maintains uniform pleat spacing, and an eccentric portion that interfaces with the mast. This segmentation allows the filter element to accommodate eccentric masts while preserving optimal pleat geometry for maximum filtration media capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard cylindrical filter parts are used with eccentric masts, then manufacturing is simplified, but the filter element cannot be properly indexed or clocked within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap incorporates an asymmetric design with an eccentric opening positioned offset from the central axis. This asymmetric feature enables the filter element to be indexed or clocked within the housing to match specific mast configurations, while the majority of the end cap remains concentric to maintain compatibility with standard cylindrical filter elements.
3Reliability
If multiple seals are used to maintain integrity of the clean air plenum, then sealing reliability is improved, but the number of seals required increases manufacturing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mast integration feature and sealing function are merged into a single integrated seal washer component. The seal washer combines the mast mounting function with the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate seals at the mast interface. This reduces the total number of seals required while maintaining sealing integrity of the clean air plenum.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element is mountable to a mast of a filter system having a threaded rod at a distal end thereof. The filter element includes cylindrical filter media, first and second end caps, and a seal washer. The media circumscribes a central axis. The first end cap is a first annular end cap and has a central opening configured for receiving the mast therethrough. The second end cap includes a seal washer opening defining a seal washer opening center that is located either concentric or non-concentric to the central axis of the media. The central opening of the first end cap is larger in dimension than the seal washer opening. The seal washer is receivable within the seal washer opening in at least a first orientation relative to the seal washer opening center. In the first orientation, a rod hole of the seal washer is non-concentric to the central axis.