Curved U-Shaped Filter Element for Confined Installation Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filter elements with U- or V-geometry are bulky and difficult to install in confined spaces, such as those found in motor vehicles, limiting their effectiveness in filtration and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with an arcuately formed inner circumferential side and a filter medium that extends in an extension direction, featuring an open U- or V-geometry with sealing elements to optimize installation in compact spaces, allowing for efficient air filtration and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional filter elements with U- or V-geometry are used, then manufacturing costs are low, but the filter elements are bulky and difficult to install in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is formed with an arcuately curved inner circumferential side instead of straight edges, allowing the filter element to conform to curved installation spaces and reduce overall volume while maintaining structural integrity and filtration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium is folded multiple times along the extension direction to create a three-dimensional structure with increased filtration surface area within a compact volume, transforming a two-dimensional flat filter into a multi-layered compact unit
2Volume of moving object
If the filter medium is folded multiple times to reduce volume, then installation space is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is divided into multiple identical or similar sections that are folded and arranged in a repeating pattern, allowing complex three-dimensional structures to be created from simple repeated units that are easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium is designed with a universal structure that serves multiple functions: filtration, structural support, and space optimization, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process
3Reliability
If sealing elements are added to achieve fluid-tight sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the filter medium itself by integrating sealing elements directly into the filter structure, allowing a single component to perform both filtration and sealing functions without requiring separate sealing systems
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible sealing elements made from thin film materials are used to create fluid-tight seals that conform to the filter medium and housing surfaces, achieving reliable sealing with minimal added complexity and maintaining cost-effectiveness
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 the filter element to be precisely matched to confined installation spaces, enhancing air filtration efficiency and manufacturing cost-effectiveness while maintaining fluid-tight sealing and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium through which air can flow, which has a U-geometry or a V-geometry. For the filtration of dirt carried along in air, the filter medium is impermeable to such dirt, whereas the filter medium is permeable to air
Implementation Method 2
two sealing elements which are arranged on two end faces of the filter medium located opposite one another in the extension direction. The sealing elements are arranged in such a manner that an inner side of the respective sealing element is arranged lying against the associated end face of the filter medium in a fluid-tight manner
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element may include a filter medium extending in an extension direction and including a filter material separating clean and raw sides of the filter element, and two seals arranged at two end faces of the filter medium located opposite one another in the extension direction, so that an inner side of each seal may be arranged lying against the associated end face in a fluid-tight manner. The two inner sides, jointly with an inner circumferential side of the filter medium, may partly limit a filter element interior space. The filter medium, in a section running perpendicularly to the extension direction, has an open U-geometry or V-geometry with two legs.