Cylindrical Filter Element Bushing for High Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filter elements in fuel and urea systems face challenges in withstanding high pressures and stresses due to internal fluid flow, which can lead to material overstretching and failure under thermal and hydraulic loads.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical filter element with a bushing that encloses the filter medium, featuring spring elements for mechanical reinforcement and thermal expansion compensation, allowing the filter medium to deform while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the filter medium is made thinner to reduce material usage and cost, then the filter element becomes more economical and easier to manufacture, but the filter medium loses strength and cannot withstand high internal pressures during backwashing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing economyVSAvoidpressure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is segmented into distinct functional components: a thin filter medium for filtration and a separate bushing structure for mechanical support. The bushing is divided into a cylindrical section and a closed-end section, creating specialized zones for different functions while maintaining overall structural integrity under pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing acts as an intermediary structural element between the thin filter medium and the high internal pressures. It provides the necessary mechanical strength and pressure resistance that the thin filter medium cannot provide alone, while still allowing the medium to perform its filtration function effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the filter medium is made thicker to withstand high internal pressures, then the filter element can handle backwashing and thermal expansion better, but the material usage increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The structural support function is separated from the filtration function. The thin filter medium handles only filtration, while the bushing handles structural support and pressure resistance, optimizing material usage for each specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element combines different materials with complementary properties: a porous filter medium for filtration and a non-porous bushing material (such as plastic or metal) for structural strength and pressure resistance, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of each material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a rigid support structure is used to reinforce the filter medium, then the filter element can withstand high pressures, but the filter medium cannot deform to compensate for thermal and pressure expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidthermal expansion compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing design incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow controlled deformation. The open cylindrical section permits radial expansion of the filter medium while the closed-end section provides axial support, enabling the structure to adapt to thermal and pressure changes without rigid constraint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing acts as a flexible constraint that allows the filter medium to deform within acceptable limits. The cylindrical geometry provides guidance and support while permitting the necessary expansion and contraction movements in response to thermal and hydraulic loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If the filter element is designed with high structural integrity to withstand backwashing pressures, then reliability under high pressure is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure withstanding capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is segmented into functional zones: an open cylindrical section for radial support and deformation accommodation, and a closed-end section for axial positioning and pressure distribution, achieving high reliability through functional segmentation rather than overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing performs multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, pressure distribution, axial positioning, and guidance of thermal expansion, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively supports the filter medium against high pressures and thermal expansions, preventing material overstretching and ensuring stable operation under varying loads, while allowing for efficient fluid flow and backwashing.

Implementation Method 1

The socket is designed with at least one spring element which is applied in a spring-biased manner against the filter medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2609978B1Filter element with a cylindrical basic form
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2609978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2609978B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2609978B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The filter element (10) has a circular-cylindrical structure (12) of a filter cartridge for receiving a filter medium (14). The filter cartridge has a cartridge base (18) at lower end and a fluid-tight cartridge lid (20) at an upper end. A bushing unit (24) is made to surround the filter panels (16) of filter medium.