EPDM Annular Seal with Funnel Lip for Filter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring filter elements require forceful assembly and laborious cleaning due to seals made of foamed polyurethane, which are compressed for sealing and cannot be easily removed or cleaned while mounted.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece seal made from ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) with a funnel-shaped sealing lip and holding edge, allowing easy attachment, detachment, and cleaning, eliminating the need for compression during assembly and enabling separate cleaning and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foamed polyurethane seals are used, then sealing effect is achieved, but assembly force increases and cleaning becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foamed polyurethane to solid EPDM rubber, and changes the geometric parameter by designing a funnel-shaped sealing lip with specific angles (α≈50° with axis, β≈45° with radial line). This allows the seal to function without compression while enabling easy removal and cleaning.
2Reliability
If foamed polyurethane seals are used, then sealing effect is achieved, but cleaning effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seal into a detachable EPDM component that can be easily removed from the filter element. The holding edge with inward pointing holding contour allows simple detachment, enabling the seal to be cleaned separately without disassembling the entire filter element.
3Ease of operation
If sealing lip is angled radially outward, then assembly force is reduced, but sealing geometry becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the sealing lip design, with different angles (α and β) on different surfaces. The first surface encloses angle α≈50° with the axis, while the second surface encloses angle β≈45° with the radial line. This asymmetric configuration enables easy assembly while maintaining effective sealing.
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
Facilitates simple and cost-effective assembly and disassembly of ring filter elements, reduces assembly force, and allows for efficient cleaning and reuse, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel-shaped sealing lip (6) protruding radially outwards at an angle to the axis (5) of the annular body (4)
Implementation Method 2
a one-piece seal (1) made from ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a one-piece, ring-shaped seal (1) made of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) for mounting on an end disk (2) of a ring filter element (3), - with a ring body (4) having a funnel-shaped sealing lip (6) projecting radially outwards at an angle to the axis (5) of the ring body (4), - with a retaining edge (7) which projects on the end face of the ring body (4) facing away from the sealing lip (6) and has an inwards-facing retaining contour (8) at its free end for engaging behind the end disk (2).