Filter Element Asymmetric Seal Positioning Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines, such as those in motor vehicles, face challenges in ensuring reliable and precise installation of filter elements, which is crucial for accurate sensor readings like air mass flow signals, and often result in incorrect installation or space inefficiencies due to symmetrical geometries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a seal with axial directional positioning contours in the filter element and housing, allowing only a single correct installation position, and reducing radial space requirements, along with a stabilizing core and elastic sealing material for enhanced reliability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical geometries are used for the filter element and housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but incorrect installation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing positioning contours with axial directional components on the seal and corresponding counter-contours on the sealing surfaces. These asymmetric features break the symmetry of the filter element and housing interfaces, allowing the filter element to be installed only in the correct orientation. The asymmetric positioning contours engage with the asymmetric counter-contours to prevent incorrect installation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized molding processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning contours with axial directional components are added to the seal, then installation precision is improved, but radial space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by incorporating positioning contours with axial directional components into the seal structure. Instead of using only radial or circumferential positioning features, the design adds axial dimensionality to the positioning contours. This allows precise installation positioning without significantly increasing radial space requirements, as the positioning function is achieved through the axial component rather than radial expansion.
3Length of stationary object
If the seal extends outside the positioning contours, then axial installation space is reduced, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the positioning contours directly into the seal structure rather than using separate positioning mechanisms. The positioning contours are formed as part of the seal itself, combining the sealing function and positioning function into a single integrated component. This reduces the overall axial installation space required while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate positioning and sealing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The filter (10) has a filter element (18) that is provided for circumferentially and radially extending a seal portion (46) with respect to filter axis (24). The filter element is inserted in filter housing (12) axially to filter axis between sealing surfaces of filter housing portions (14,16). A profile of the seal portion is provided in a specific portion of the filter axis to the axial direction component. An appropriate positioning counter-contour (26,34) is provided between the sealing surfaces, such that positioning contour (44) is received correctly in filter element.