Filter Assembly With Floating Seal Interface for Leak Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtration systems face challenges in ensuring proper alignment and secure installation of filter elements, which can lead to leaks and improper operation, particularly when unauthorized elements are used.

Innovation Solution

A filtration system with a floating seal interface and interlocking interface that allows the first endplate portion to move relative to the second endplate portion, featuring snap and press fit mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and prevent unauthorized elements from being installed, while reducing stress on the seal member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed rigid endplate structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to misalignment and stress on seal members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendplate alignment precisionVSAvoidseal member reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The endplate is divided into a first endplate portion and a second endplate portion that are movable relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to independently adjust to alignment variations while maintaining the overall structural integrity needed for manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endplate transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic structure where the first and second portions can move relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables the endplate to adapt to misalignment conditions and reduce stress on seal members while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure interlocking interface is implemented, then reliability against unauthorized elements is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element authenticationVSAvoidendplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking interface employs asymmetric features including protrusions and grooves with specific geometric relationships. These asymmetric elements provide reliable authentication by ensuring only authorized filter elements with matching asymmetric features can be properly installed, while the complexity is managed through the functional necessity of the asymmetric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking interface uses nested geometric features where protrusions fit into corresponding grooves, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach provides secure authentication while managing complexity through the efficient use of nested geometric relationships rather than multiple separate authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a floating seal interface is used, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment accommodationVSAvoidseal interface precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seal interface is designed as a floating dynamic interface where the first and second endplate portions can move relative to each other to accommodate misalignment. This dynamic design provides adaptability while the manufacturing precision requirements are managed through the controlled nature of the floating interface and the engagement structures that guide the movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The floating seal interface acts as an intermediary between the first and second endplate portions, allowing relative movement to accommodate misalignment. The engagement structures serve as intermediaries that guide and control this movement, managing the precision requirements through the mechanical guidance provided by the engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the first endplate portion is made movable, then stress on seal members is reduced, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal member durabilityVSAvoidfilter element installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first endplate portion is designed to be movable relative to the second portion, creating a dynamic structure that reduces stress on seal members during operation. The ease of operation is maintained through the engagement structures that guide the movement and the overall design that allows straightforward installation while providing the necessary flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable first endplate portion provides beforehand cushioning by allowing controlled movement that absorbs and distributes stress before it reaches the seal members. This protective mechanism enhances seal durability while the engagement structures ensure the movement occurs in a controlled manner that does not complicate the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250262573A1Filter assembly with floating seal interface
Publication Date: 2025.08.21 ATMUS FILTRATION INC
  • US20250262573A1 patent drawing
  • US20250262573A1 patent drawing
  • US20250262573A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A filtration system having a floating seal interface is provided. The filtration system includes a filter housing having a shell and a filter head. The filtration system also includes a filter element positioned within the filter housing. The filter element includes a filter media and a first endplate positioned at a filter media first end. The first endplate includes a first endplate first portion and a first endplate second portion. The first engagement structure couples the first endplate second portion to the first endplate first portion such that the first endplate first portion is movable relative to the first endplate second portion while remaining coupled to the first endplate second portion.