Elastomeric Tubular Seal for Filter Housing Bypass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation systems fail to effectively seal filter media elements, leading to significant bypass of contaminants, as existing sealing methods like O-ring seals are inadequate in preventing leakage due to variations in filter housing diameter, roundness, and fabric thickness.
Innovation Solution
A device with a variable position compression member and a biasing spring system that uses an elastomeric sealing member with a tubular design to form a double compression seal between the filter element and the housing inner wall, ensuring a secure and effective seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-ring seals are used to seal filter elements, then sealing is attempted, but leakage still occurs due to variations in housing diameter, roundness, and fabric thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a rigid O-ring seal to a flexible membrane seal that can change its physical state. The membrane can deform and adapt its shape to accommodate variations in housing diameter, roundness, and fabric thickness, thereby maintaining effective sealing contact across different dimensional parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a flexible membrane seal instead of a rigid O-ring. This thin film structure can conform to irregular surfaces and dimensional variations in the filter element and housing interface, providing reliable sealing despite manufacturing tolerances and wear
2Reliability
If rigid sealing rings are used on filter elements, then sealing is attempted, but significant bypass occurs due to inability to accommodate dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seal provides a simple yet effective sealing solution that eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The membrane's inherent flexibility allows it to adapt to dimensional variations without requiring additional components or complex installation procedures
3Reliability
If compression force is applied to seal the filter element, then leakage is reduced, but filter element deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane distributes compression forces evenly across the sealing interface, preventing localized stress concentrations that could deform the filter element. The membrane's flexibility allows it to absorb compression forces without transmitting excessive stress to the rigid filter element structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as a cushioning element between the compression mechanism and the filter element. It absorbs and distributes compression forces, preventing direct transmission of high stress to the filter element that could cause deformation or damage
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 reduces contaminant bypass by at least 95% compared to existing systems, effectively preventing larger particles from passing through the filter, even with variations in system dimensions and filter media irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing member to apply force to the compression member to compress the sealing member
Implementation Method 2
compress the elastomeric sealing member to form the sealing connection with the filter and the sealing connection with the inner wall of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing a filter element within a housing of a separation system, wherein the housing has an inner wall and includes therein a filter seating to seat the filter element, includes at least one sealing member adapted to form a sealing connection with the filter element and a sealing connection with the inner wall of the housing. The device further includes at least one compression member to compress the elastomeric sealing member to form the sealing connection with the filter and the sealing connection with the inner wall of the housing.