Elastomeric Ring Seal for Reversible Filter Module Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filter assemblies face challenges in achieving a reliable, adhesive-free, and reversible sealing engagement between the filter module and the housing, particularly under high pressure conditions, where traditional seals like adhesive tape and shrink wrap materials may fail to provide a consistent and adjustable interference fit.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ring-shaped seal with an inner surface featuring parallel contact surfaces separated by a channel, made from elastomeric materials, which forms an interference fit with the filter module without adhesives or tapes, allowing for adjustable and reversible sealing engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape or shrink wrap materials are used to secure the seal about the filter module, then the seal can be attached to the filter module, but the sealing engagement is not reversible and may fail under high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed from elastomeric material forming a flexible ring-shaped structure that can be stretched and expanded to fit over the filter module. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material allows the seal to be installed by expanding it beyond its normal diameter, then contracting it to create a secure interference fit without requiring adhesives or tapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's physical parameters (specifically its diameter and cross-sectional dimensions) are designed to change during installation. The seal is provided in a compressed or folded state for easy handling, then expanded to its operational diameter when installed on the filter module, creating the sealing engagement through controlled parameter transformation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-size seal is used, then the seal can be manufactured with precise dimensions, but it cannot accommodate various filter module sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with dynamic characteristics, specifically the ability to expand and contract radially. The elastomeric material allows the seal to be stretched to fit larger filter modules or compressed to fit smaller ones, while maintaining precise sealing dimensions when in its operational state on any given module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal can be provided in a nested or folded configuration for storage and transport, then expanded to its functional size during installation. This nesting capability allows a single seal design to accommodate multiple filter module sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision in its deployed state.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ring seals with tubular bodies are used, then the seals can engage the filter module, but they require adhesive tape for securement and cannot provide adjustable interference fit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive tape component from the traditional seal assembly. The seal is designed as a standalone elastomeric ring that achieves securement through its own elastic properties and interference fit mechanism, without requiring separate adhesive materials or additional fastening components.
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 solution provides a reliable, fluid-tight seal that is adjustable and reusable, suitable for various filter module sizes and pressures, enhancing the operational flexibility and durability of fluid filter assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
made from elastomeric materials, which forms an interference fit with the filter module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward fluid filter assemblies along with methods for making and using the same. The fluid filter assemblies include a ring-shaped seal disposed about a portion of an outer periphery of a filter module. In several embodiments the seal includes an inner surface having at least two parallel contact surfaces separated by a channel, wherein the contact surfaces are in sealing engagement with the outer periphery of the filter module. Additional embodiments are also described.