Collapsible Winding Core for Racetrack Filter Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing non-cylindrical fluid filters, such as racetrack-shaped filter elements, often result in costly and heavy central cores that are difficult to produce and dispose of, and can be inefficient due to the need for specialized winding apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible winding core with a cylindrical preassembled state that can be easily formed into a flat state, allowing for the winding of fluted filter media without the issues of shape memory and reducing manufacturing costs by using conventional winding machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-cylindrical central core is used to form racetrack shaped filter elements, then the filter element can fit space constraints of the application, but the core construction becomes complex and expensive to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element shape adaptationVSAvoidcore construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into multiple flat panels that are joined together to form the racetrack shape. Each panel can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the overall construction process while achieving the desired non-cylindrical form factor for space-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core uses thin wall members that can be easily formed and assembled, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to rigid non-cylindrical cores. The thin-walled construction allows for easier fabrication while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for the racetrack shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a non-cylindrical central core is used to form racetrack shaped filter elements, then the filter element can fit space constraints of the application, but the core requires substantial material making it heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element shape adaptationVSAvoidcore weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into multiple flat panels that are joined together to form the racetrack shape. Each panel can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the overall construction process while achieving the desired non-cylindrical form factor for space-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core uses thin wall members that can be easily formed and assembled, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to rigid non-cylindrical cores. The thin-walled construction allows for easier fabrication while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for the racetrack shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a non-cylindrical central core is used to form racetrack shaped filter elements, then the filter element can fit space constraints of the application, but specialized winding apparatus is required increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element shape adaptationVSAvoidwinding process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into multiple flat panels that are joined together to form the racetrack shape. Each panel can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the overall construction process while achieving the desired non-cylindrical form factor for space-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core uses thin wall members that can be easily formed and assembled, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to rigid non-cylindrical cores. The thin-walled construction allows for easier fabrication while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for the racetrack shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If fluted filter media is wound about a flat center board, then the media's inherent shape memory causes it to bow outwardly, but with a cylindrical core the curvature memory assists in pulling the media down onto the core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore fabrication simplicityVSAvoidmedia winding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The core is divided into multiple flat panels that are joined together to form the racetrack shape. Each panel can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the overall construction process while achieving the desired non-cylindrical form factor for space-constrained applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core uses thin wall members that can be easily formed and assembled, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to rigid non-cylindrical cores. The thin-walled construction allows for easier fabrication while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for the racetrack shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9174160B2Collapsible core, filter, and method
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 BALDWIN FILTERS INC
  • US9174160B2 patent drawing
  • US9174160B2 patent drawing
  • US9174160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A collapsible winding core for a filter element is provided. A fluted filter media is wound about the collapsible winding core having a cylindrical shape. Subsequently, the collapsible winding core is collapsed into a generally flat shape to from the filter element having a racetrack shape.