Dual-Inflow Filter Element for Clogging-Resistant Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for fluid filtration, particularly in air filters for internal combustion engines and motor vehicles, face challenges with clogging due to suspended particles like snow and ice, which affect their efficiency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with at least one filter bellows arranged in a frame, featuring a first flat inflow surface for a primary fluid stream and a separate second inflow surface for a secondary fluid stream, where the second inflow surface is fluid-tight and can be used to provide an additional filtration area, especially for emergency operations when the primary surface is clogged, utilizing a flow channel section within the frame to guide the secondary fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single inflow surface is used for fluid filtration, then the filter element structure is simple, but the filter element becomes clogged when suspended particles block the inflow surface
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into multiple independent inflow surfaces (first inflow surface and second inflow surface) that are fluid-tightly separated. This allows the filter to continue operating through alternative inflow paths when one surface becomes clogged, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of inflow surface configuration from a single surface to multiple separate surfaces. This parameter change enables the filter to handle suspended particles more effectively by providing alternative flow paths, while the modular design keeps the structural complexity manageable.
2Reliability
If a separate second inflow surface and flow channel are added, then clogging is prevented, but the filter element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel for the second fluid flow is merged with the frame structure of the filter element. The raw-side flow channel section is arranged within the frame, combining the housing and flow guidance functions into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining the benefit of separate inflow surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter bellows, guides the second fluid flow through the integrated raw-side flow channel section, and maintains the fluid-tight separation between the two inflow surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If multiple separate intake paths are provided, then filtration continuity is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and flow channel are designed as an integrated structure that can be manufactured as a single component using injection molding. This merging of the housing and flow guidance elements into one manufacturable unit reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining multiple separate intake paths for filtration continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element (10) for filtering a fluid, having at least one filter bellows (12) which is arranged in a frame (28) and which has a first planar incident-flow face (54) for a first fluid flow (60) and at least one second incident-flow face (56) for a second fluid flow (62) that is separate from the first fluid flow (60), wherein the second incident-flow face (56) is separated from the first incident-flow face (54), and wherein a raw-side flow channel section (132) of a flow channel (130) intended for guiding the second fluid flow (62) is provided inside the frame (28). The invention also relates to a filter system (100) having such a filter element (10).