Filter Centering Ring With Radial Elastic Webs for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering rings for filter elements in filter housings cause significant pressure loss and flow noise due to spiral ribs that deform and reduce the flow cross-section, leading to instability and noise.
Innovation Solution
The design features radially extending first and second elastic webs from an annular body, maintaining a stable gap and minimizing pressure loss while providing secure centering, with mushroom-shaped ends and increased flexural rigidity, and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spiral-shaped elastic ribs are used to center the filter element, then the filter element can be centered in the filter housing, but the flow cross-section is significantly reduced, increasing pressure loss and generating flow noise
Solution Approach 1:
The centering ring is divided into multiple independent elastic webs (first and second webs) instead of using continuous spiral ribs. These segmented webs are arranged at specific angular intervals (e.g., 90 degrees) around the annular body, allowing fluid to pass through the gaps between them, thus maintaining flow cross-section while providing centering force through elastic deformation of each individual web
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin elastic webs with controlled flexural rigidity to provide the centering function. These webs are designed with specific thickness and material properties (e.g., polypropylene) that allow them to deform elastically under load, providing continuous centering force without significantly obstructing fluid flow, unlike rigid or thick spiral ribs
2Reliability
If spiral-shaped elastic ribs are used to center the filter element, then the filter element can be centered in the filter housing, but flow noise is generated due to vibrations at the spiral ribs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the continuous spiral rib structure into discrete, spaced-apart elastic webs, the patent reduces the surface area that can vibrate and generate noise. The gaps between webs break up vortex formation and reduce turbulent flow noise, while each individual web's smaller size and spacing reduce vibration amplitude and noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic webs are pre-formed with controlled rigidity and mounting characteristics that allow them to settle into a stable equilibrium position during installation. This preliminary structuring ensures they maintain consistent spacing and orientation, preventing excessive vibration and noise during operation
3Reliability
If spiral-shaped elastic ribs are used to center the filter element, then the filter element can be centered in the filter housing, but the spiral ribs become significantly deformed, preventing the filter element from being securely centered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the centering ring: the annular body is made rigid for structural stability, while the elastic webs are made flexible with controlled rigidity for centering function. The webs are designed with specific thickness and material properties that provide sufficient elastic recovery to return to their original position after deformation, maintaining long-term centering stability
Solution Approach 2:
The centering ring combines materials with different mechanical properties - a rigid annular body (e.g., polypropylene) for structural stability and elastic webs with controlled flexibility for centering action. This composite structure allows the rigid body to maintain overall shape while the elastic webs provide deformable centering force that returns to its original state
4Reliability
If the elastic webs are made long to improve centering effect, then the centering force is increased, but the flow cross-section is reduced and pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the elastic webs, including their length, thickness, and flexural rigidity, to achieve the desired centering force with minimal flow obstruction. By carefully selecting web length and rigidity parameters, sufficient centering force is provided while maintaining adequate flow cross-section and minimizing pressure loss
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
The solution ensures stable, quiet, and low-pressure-loss centering of filter elements, with reduced susceptibility to vibrations and minimal contact surface deposits, enhancing the filter's stability and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first and second elastic webs which are integrally connected to the annular body and protrude therefrom, wherein the first webs run from the inside of the annular body for centering the filter element relative to the annular body and the second webs run from the outside of the annular body to center the annular body relative to the filter housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b'
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a centring ring (1a) for centring a filter element (2) in a filter housing (3) and to a filter with said centring ring, the centring ring having an annular body (4a or 4b) and having a plurality of first and second elastic webs (5a, 6a or 5b, 6b) which integrally adjoin the annular body (4a or 4b) and protrude therefrom, the first webs (5a or 5b) extending away from the inner side of the annular body (4a or 4b) in order to centre the filter element (2) in relation to the annular body (4a or 4b) and the second webs (6a or 6b) extending away from the outer side of the annular body (4a or 4b) in order to centre the annular body (4a or 4b) in relation to the filter housing (3). In order to ensure exact and stable centring, it is proposed that the first and second webs (5a, 6a or 5b, 6b) each extend away from the annular body (4a or 4b) in the radial direction (r1, r2).