Filter Element With Flexible Film And Recessed End Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air filter systems for internal combustion engines face issues with turbulence at the air intake, which can damage the filter media and lead to premature clogging, and existing solutions require additional protective structures that increase complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with a zigzag folded filter body and a flexible, impermeable film on its outer surface acting as both inflow and grip protection, designed to deflect airflow tangentially and reduce flow resistance, while also serving as a handle for easy assembly and disassembly, thus preventing damage to the filter medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the housing incorporates an internal structure to prevent turbulence stress on the filter medium, then the filter medium is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter medium protectionVSAvoidhousing internal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective function with the handle function into a single integrated component. The recess in the end plate serves both as a protective structure against turbulence and as a handle for filter element replacement, eliminating the need for separate protective structures and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The recess structure in the end plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the filter medium from turbulence during operation, provides a gripping area for easy filter element replacement, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by avoiding additional complexity.

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

2Productivity

If the airflow is directed towards the folded paper medium at the inlet, then the pre-cleaning process is enhanced, but the filter medium becomes clogged and damaged prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidfilter medium service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a protective coating specifically to the area of the filter medium that is exposed to the inlet airflow. This localized protection allows the airflow to continue directing coarse particles for pre-cleaning while the coated area resists clogging and damage, maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a lining with screen arrangement is added to protect the filter element, then the filter medium is protected from direct flow, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is integrated directly into the end plate structure through a recess that is molded or formed as part of the end plate itself. This eliminates the need for separate lining and screen arrangement components, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining protection against direct flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end plate's own structure provides the protection it needs. The recess in the end plate creates a turbulence-free zone that protects the filter medium without requiring additional protective components, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively pre-separates coarser dust particles through cyclone action, reduces wear on the filter medium, and allows for efficient and cost-effective production and replacement of the filter element, enhancing the filter's service life and operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

designed to deflect airflow tangentially and reduce flow resistance, while also serving as a handle for easy assembly and disassembly, thus preventing damage to the filter medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone action: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2851112B1Filter element and filter system with a filter element
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP2851112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2851112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2851112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element (10) comprising a filter body (12) with a longitudinal axis (L), the inner and outer surface (22) of which is permeable to a medium to be filtered, in particular air, a first open or closed end disk (16) arranged on one end face (15), and a second end disk (18) arranged on the opposite end face (17), wherein the outer surface (22) of the filter body (12) has at least one fluid-tight region (60) that is impermeable to the medium to be filtered. The invention further relates to a filter system (100) for the replaceable installation of such a filter element (10).