Filter Element Drain Closure with Eccentric Axial Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter designs face challenges in easily and reliably closing and opening the drainage opening, often requiring complex mechanisms that complicate installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A drain closure element is designed to seal axially with respect to the axis, allowing it to close the drainage opening without insertion into the opening, and is arranged eccentrically to facilitate easier installation and material efficiency, with an elastic design for enhanced sealing and a holding device for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to close and open the drainage opening, then the closure and opening can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage closure element is extracted from complex mechanical mechanisms and simplified to a simple plug-like component that closes the drainage opening through its own geometric shape and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex actuating mechanisms while maintaining reliable closure and opening functions
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage closure element serves itself by using its own elastic properties and geometric configuration to achieve both closure and opening functions. The element automatically closes the drainage opening when installed and opens it when removed, without requiring external control mechanisms or additional components
2Reliability
If the drainage closure element is inserted into the drainage opening for sealing, then the sealing can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the closure element into the drainage opening for sealing, the invention inverts the approach by having the closure element bear axially against a sealing surface that surrounds the drainage opening. The element closes the opening from the outside by axial bearing rather than internal insertion, making installation simpler while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage closure element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component with limited circumferential extent that can be easily replaced. Its simple geometry and axial sealing mechanism make it suitable for disposable or frequent replacement applications, improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate sealing for the application lifecycle
3Reliability
If a circumferentially extensive drainage closure element is used, then the sealing surface area increases, but the material usage increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage closure element is designed with limited circumferential extent rather than full circumferential coverage. The sealing function is achieved locally through axial bearing on a surrounding sealing surface, concentrating the sealing action where needed while minimizing material usage in non-critical circumferential regions
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element provides sufficient sealing through partial circumferential coverage combined with axial bearing pressure. Rather than requiring complete circumferential sealing, the element achieves adequate sealing reliability through concentrated axial contact pressure on the sealing surface, reducing material requirements while maintaining functional adequacy
4Strength
If a rigid drainage closure element is used, then the structural strength increases, but the ability to accommodate vibrations and misalignments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage closure element incorporates elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to vibrations and misalignments during operation. The elastic material enables the element to deform and return to its original shape, accommodating operational conditions while maintaining sealing integrity, unlike rigid elements that would fail under such conditions
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 enables easier, more reliable closure and opening of the drainage opening, allowing for simpler installation and improved sealing, while reducing material usage and accommodating operational vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one drain closure element is designed in an elastic manner, in particular made of an elastic material, so that an axial compression of the at least one filter element can increase the sealing effect of the at least one closure surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element (14) of a filter (10) for liquid, which filter element is or can be exchangeably arranged in a filter housing (12) of the filter (10), to a filter (10), and to a filter housing (12). The filter element (14) comprises at least one filter medium (34), which peripherally extends around an imaginary axis (22), and at least one discharge closure element (42), which is arranged eccentrically at an end face of the filter element (14) that is axial with respect to the axis (22) and by means of which a discharge opening (26) of a discharge channel (18) of the filter housing (12), which discharge channel is used to drain the filter (10) when the filter element (14) is removed, is closed when the filter element (14) is in the installed state. The at least one discharge closure element (42) is limited in the peripheral extent thereof with respect to the axis (22). The at least one discharge closure element (42) has, at the free end face thereof which is axial with respect to the axis (22), at least one closure surface (51), which is at least partly directed axially with respect to the axis (22) and which can sealingly lie, axially with respect to the axis (22), against a corresponding housing sealing portion (52) surrounding the housing discharge opening (26).