Expandable Annular Seal for Filter Element Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing filter elements face difficulties in complete insertion into housings due to the requirement to compress O-rings, which can lead to seal compromise and increased assembly complexity, and may result in O-ring damage during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with an annular seal that can expand outwardly to increase its transverse dimension, allowing it to be seated within a housing without impeding insertion, and featuring a support with slits for expansion and a sealing web to prevent fluid leakage through the slits, simplifying the assembly process and protecting the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressible O-ring is provided in a groove on the filter element to create a seal with the housing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the O-ring may be damaged during insertion and complete insertion of the filter element into the housing is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The seal support is designed to be dynamically expandable from a compact insertion configuration to an expanded sealing configuration. The support includes elements that can flex or deform radially outward to engage the housing wall, transforming from a non-intrusive state during insertion to an active sealing state once positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The seal support is divided into multiple segments or elements that can independently deform or expand. This segmentation allows the support to flex during insertion and then expand uniformly to create the seal, with each segment contributing to the overall sealing action
2Reliability
If the O-ring is compressed between the filter element and housing surfaces to ensure sealing, then seal integrity is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and O-ring damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the seal support structure with the filter element body, integrating the sealing function into the element itself rather than relying on a separate O-ring component. The support structure combines both the mechanical support function and the seal engagement function in a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The seal support is designed to automatically engage and seal against the housing wall through its own elastic deformation or spring-loaded mechanism, without requiring external compression forces or complex assembly operations. The support self-adjusts to create the seal upon insertion
3Reliability
If the filter element is designed with features to compress the O-ring during insertion, then sealing is achieved, but complete insertion becomes difficult and O-ring damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The seal support is pre-configured in a compact state that allows easy insertion, and only after the filter element is properly positioned does the support expand to its sealing configuration. This preliminary non-intrusive state eliminates insertion resistance before the sealing action is required
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 design allows for controlled seal formation between the filter element and housing, reducing the risk of seal damage during assembly, simplifying housing manufacture, and enabling complete insertion without compromising the seal's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an annular seal made from a compressible material which extends around the periphery of the filter element, and a support for the annular seal which can be expanded outwardly to cause the transverse dimension of the seal to increase
Implementation Method 2
the O-ring is progressively compressed during this movement. The requirement to compress the O-ring when a filter element is moved to its working within a housing might hinder complete insertion of the filter element into a housing
Implementation Method 3
a sealing web to prevent fluid leakage through the slits
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element (2) is disclosed which comprises a filtration media (4) and an end fitting (6) through which a sealing connection is made between the filter element and a housing (100) so that, when the sealing connection is made, the end fitting defines in part a flow path for fluid between the housing and the filter element. The end fitting includes an annular seal (36′) made from a compressible material which extends around the periphery of the filter element, and a support (30, 31, 32, 34) for the annular seal which can be expanded outwardly to cause the transverse dimension of the seal to increase so that the seal is urged into contact with an inner wall of a housing (100) in which the filter element is located.