Convex Filter End Face for Leak-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter elements with zigzag pleated nonwoven fabric often experience leakage and deformation at their ends, leading to inadequate sealing and failure to meet technical leakage requirements, especially in applications requiring a tight seal.
Innovation Solution
The filter element is designed with an outwardly curved convex end face that rests leak-tight against the holder's flat end wall under elastic pre-tension, using stiffened or rubber-coated filter web material to prevent corrugation, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sealing elements (labyrinth seals, foams, profiles, nonwoven edges) are added to the filter element end, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element end is given a convex curvature instead of a flat or straight end. This curved geometry allows the filter material to naturally conform to the holder wall and create a sealing effect through its shape, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements like labyrinths, foams, or profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter material itself is designed to provide the sealing function through its inherent properties and the convex end geometry. The elastic pre-tension of the filter material causes it to press against the holder wall, creating a leak-tight seal without requiring separate sealing components.
2Reliability
If the filter web material is stiffened or rubber-coated to prevent corrugation, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The physical parameters of the filter material at the end region are modified to increase stiffness or add rubber coating. This changes the material's mechanical properties locally to prevent corrugation when the convex end presses against the holder wall, while the rest of the filter element maintains its original material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter material is treated differently at the end region compared to the rest of the element. Only the end area requires stiffening or rubber coating to maintain its shape under pre-tension, while the bulk of the filter web remains flexible and permeable for filtration function.
3Reliability
If the end face is curved outward in a convex manner, then sealing capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature of the end face is designed to be tolerant of manufacturing variations. The gradual curved shape provides a larger contact area with the holder wall, making the sealing less sensitive to small deviations in pleat tip geometry compared to a sharp or flat end configuration.
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
This design significantly enhances the sealing capacity of the filter element, achieving tight seals without additional sealing agents, even in applications with slight curvature of the holder's wall, and maintains effective sealing within typical dimensional tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the filter web material is selected and/or its end face conditioned in such a way that, when inserted into the holder (8), the end face (5) of the filter web (2) may rest leak-tight against the end wall (8a) of the holder (8) without corrugation under elastic pre-tension
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element includes a filter web pleated in an essentially zigzag manner and made, in particular, of a nonwoven material, for insertion into a holder such as a filter frame and/or a filter housing, having at least one end-positioned wall of an essentially flat design. The filter element includes at least one end face, viewed in the direction of the pleats. To achieve a tighter seal, the end face of the filter element is curved outward in a defined convex manner, and the filter web material is selected and/or its end face conditioned so that, when inserted into the holder, the end face of the filter web may be placed leak-tight against the end wall of the holder without corrugation under elastic pre-tension.