Dual Filter Element Sealing for Separate Fuel Cell Servicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems require separate servicing of particle and adsorption filters due to differing service lives, leading to increased servicing costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with two exchangeable filter elements, where one element has a lateral strip projecting axially and the other has a circumferentially extending seal with a groove, allowing secure sealing and easy assembly, enabling separate servicing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If two separate filter elements (particle filter and adsorption filter) are used with different service lives, then separate servicing becomes possible and servicing costs are reduced, but the sealing between the two filter elements becomes more complex and difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
A lateral strip is introduced as an intermediary component between the two filter elements. This strip protrudes axially from one filter element and engages with a groove in the seal of the other filter element, acting as a mechanical mediator that ensures reliable sealing while allowing the filter elements to be serviced separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into distinct components: the seal with groove on one filter element and the lateral strip on the other filter element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, facilitating separate servicing while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If filter elements are designed as simple flat filters, then manufacturing costs are reduced and structure is simplified, but sealing reliability between multiple filter elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall filter element structure remains simple and flat for ease of manufacture, local quality is enhanced by adding the lateral strip and groove features at specific locations. These localized structural modifications provide reliable sealing without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If filter elements are assembled with tight sealing requirements, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral strip acts as a mechanical intermediary that guides the assembly process. By engaging with the groove in the seal, it provides a clear mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment and sealing without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral strip and groove configuration enables self-aligning assembly. When the filter elements are brought together, the lateral strip automatically engages with the groove, ensuring proper positioning and sealing without requiring additional alignment steps or complex assembly tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter system including at least two exchangeable filter elements, each including a filter body including a filter medium arranged so as to allow passage of a fluid in a flow direction for flow-through. At least one of the filter elements includes an axially projecting lateral strip which in an axial direction projects past an end face of the one of the filter elements, wherein the other one of the filter elements includes at an end face a circumferentially extending seal with a groove and wherein the end face of the other one of the filter elements is arranged adjacent to the end face of the one of the filter elements. When the filter elements are assembled as intended, the axially projecting lateral strip of the one of the filter elements engages the groove of the seal of the other one of the filter elements.