Filter Assembly Secondary Element Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter arrangements face challenges in preventing contamination of the clean side during replacement of the main filter element and require additional support structures that can increase costs and noise, while also potentially narrowing the flow cross-section.

Innovation Solution

A filter arrangement with a main filter element and an optional secondary filter element, where the secondary filter element's end disk is arranged between the main filter element's end disk and the filter housing, providing axial fixation and radial sealing, thus preventing contamination and maintaining flow efficiency without additional support structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secondary filter element is added to prevent contamination during filter replacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of contaminationVSAvoidfilter assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary filter element is nested within the main filter element's interior space. The secondary filter element's outer diameter is smaller than the main filter element's inner diameter, allowing it to be accommodated inside without requiring additional external support structures or increasing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary filter element serves multiple functions: it prevents contamination of the clean side during filter replacement, provides structural support within the assembly, and maintains sealing integrity. This multi-functionality justifies its inclusion while managing the complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional support structures are added for the secondary filter element, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecondary filter element positioningVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary filter element is designed to be self-supported within the main filter element's interior space. Its structure allows it to maintain positional stability without requiring additional external support structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By nesting the secondary filter element within the main filter element's existing structural space, the design eliminates the need for separate support structures. The main filter element's housing serves as the support structure for the nested secondary element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the secondary filter element is positioned to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but flow cross-section may be narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidflow cross-section
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary filter element is nested within the main filter element's interior space with its outer diameter smaller than the main filter element's inner diameter. This nesting arrangement allows the secondary element to provide sealing and contamination prevention while occupying only the unused interior space, thus not narrowing the overall flow cross-section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary filter element is positioned specifically at locations where contamination prevention is most critical, such as near the filter replacement interface. This localized placement ensures sealing effectiveness without obstructing the main fluid flow path through the filter assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3231498B1Filter assembly
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3231498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3231498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter arrangement (1), in particular an air filter arrangement, comprising a filter housing (2), a main filter element (10) having an end disk (14) with a first sealing element (22) for sealing the main filter element (10) against the filter housing (2), and a secondary filter element (11) having an end disk (34) with a second sealing element (37) for sealing the secondary filter element (11) against the filter housing (2), wherein the main filter element (10) and the secondary filter element (11) are accommodated in the filter housing (2), wherein the end disk (34) of the secondary filter element (11) is arranged between the end disk (14) of the main filter element (10) and the filter housing (2) with respect to a longitudinal direction (LR) of the filter arrangement (1), and wherein the end disk (34) of the secondary filter element (11) is arranged within a flow cross-section (A28) of a fluid outlet (28) of the filter housing (2).