Dual Subelement Filter Element for Compact High-Capacity Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems face challenges in achieving extended service intervals and low filter restriction while providing improved performance in a compact package size, and they often require specialized housing for higher performance filters.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual subelement filter element with a helical flow pattern and pleated media, allowing for improved airflow and reduced restriction, enabling the use of a standard filter housing for both standard and high-performance versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard filter element design is used, then compatibility with standard filter housing is maintained, but filter performance and service interval are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple pleated subelements (first subelement, second subelement, etc.) arranged in parallel within the same housing. Each subelement can be independently configured with different pleat densities, depths, or media types, allowing optimized performance without changing the overall filter housing structure. This segmentation enables high-performance filtration while maintaining compatibility with standard housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the radial dimension by arranging multiple subelements concentrically or in parallel within the cylindrical housing space. By optimizing the radial arrangement and pleat configuration of multiple subelements, the filter achieves extended surface area and improved performance without increasing the axial length or outer diameter, thus fitting within standard housing dimensions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If filter media density is increased to improve filtration capacity, then service interval is extended, but filter restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different subelements within the same filter can have different local qualities - varying pleat densities, depths, angles, or media types. For example, subelements positioned in high-velocity flow regions can have lower density to reduce restriction, while subelements in lower-velocity regions can have higher density to extend service interval. This local optimization allows the overall filter to achieve extended service life without excessive pressure drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes multiple parameters of the pleated media including pleat depth, pleat spacing, pleat angle, media porosity, and media material composition. By carefully adjusting these parameters across different subelements, the filter achieves an optimal balance between filtration capacity (extending service interval) and airflow resistance (minimizing restriction).
3Volume of moving object
If filter size is reduced to improve packaging, then performance capacity is reduced, but extended service interval is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maximizes the utilization of the radial dimension within the cylindrical filter housing by arranging multiple pleated subelements concentrically. This three-dimensional arrangement creates an expanded effective filtration surface area without increasing the outer diameter or axial length, thereby maintaining compact size while achieving high performance capacity suitable for extended service intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pleated subelements are nested within the same cylindrical housing space, with each subelement occupying a different radial position. This nesting arrangement allows the filter to pack more total filtration media into a compact volume, achieving high performance capacity without increasing the overall filter size, thus suitable for standard housing and improved packaging.
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 configuration enhances filter performance by maintaining low restriction and extending service intervals, allowing for improved airflow efficiency and reduced filter size without the need for specialized housing.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element including a first pleated subelement having a first flow path therethrough from a first upstream face to a first downstream face, and a second pleated subelement having a second flow path therethrough from a second upstream face to a second downstream face
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element has first and second subelements providing increased media providing improved performance and packaging options. The first and second subelements provide first and second flow paths in parallel with each other along designated flow path portions.