Filter Element Drain Channels for Moisture Damage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices face issues with inefficient liquid drainage, leading to moisture damage and reduced lifespan due to uncontrolled leakage and insufficient draining capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The filter element and device incorporate a frame with integrated drain channels or grooves for efficient liquid drainage, and a central main structure with interconnected side parts forming drain tubes to facilitate controlled liquid outflow, eliminating the need for additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter elements are used to clean gaseous fluids containing liquid particles, then filtering performance is improved, but liquid accumulation causes moisture damage and reduces device lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidmoisture damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the liquid drainage function from the filter element structure by integrating drain channels directly into the frame. This allows liquid to be separated and removed from the filtering system, preventing moisture accumulation and damage while maintaining continuous filtering operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drain channels act as an intermediary structure between the filter medium and the external environment. They provide a controlled pathway for liquid to exit the filter element, mediating between the filtering process that produces liquid and the need to prevent moisture damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional filter devices without integrated drainage are used, then device structure is simpler, but liquid leakage is uncontrolled and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drainage function with the existing frame structure of the filter element. By integrating drain channels into the frame rather than adding separate drainage components, the device structure remains simple while achieving controlled liquid drainage and reduced maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If filter medium surface area is increased to improve filter performance, then filtering efficiency is enhanced, but liquid accumulation and drainage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidliquid accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frame structure into multiple parts, each containing drain channels. This segmentation allows liquid to be drained from different regions of the filter element simultaneously, effectively handling the increased liquid accumulation that results from larger filter medium surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 extends the filter element's lifespan by preventing moisture damage and reducing maintenance frequency, while allowing for larger and more efficient filter systems to be constructed without additional costs.

Implementation Method 1

a filter medium for cleaning a fluid stream guided through the filter medium, whereby a liquid is separated from the fluid stream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the at least one drain channel provided in the frame, which is usually located on a lower frame part, ensures that liquid collected in the filter element drains off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4624022A1Filter element and filter device at which a liquid is separated
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 AAF LTD
  • EP4624022A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4624022A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4624022A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter element having a frame for fixing a filter medium for cleaning a fluid stream guided through the filter medium, in which a liquid is separated from the fluid stream. At least one drain channel is provided in the frame for draining off the liquid from the filter element.