Filter Element Functional Space for Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter elements lack a functional space to easily integrate and replace sensor and scenting elements, and do not allow for simple exchange of filter elements, especially when reusable sensors are used, leading to inefficiencies and potential air leakage.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with a pleated filter medium and edge strips that include a firmly connected functional space within the edge strips, allowing for the integration of sensor and scenting elements, with recesses for easy insertion and reduced risk of air leakage, enabling direct scenting and measurement of air flow properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor elements and scenting elements are attached directly to the filter medium or frame, then the filter element can provide sensing and scenting functions, but the filter element volume increases and integration into existing filter arrangements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidfilter element volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional space containing sensor elements and scenting elements is nested within the edge strips of the filter element. The edge strips serve as both structural components and housings for the functional elements, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and preventing volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the structural edge strips with the functional housing for sensors and scenting elements. The edge strips serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the filter medium and containing the functional elements, thereby merging structural and functional components into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensor elements and scenting elements are integrated into the filter element, then the filter element provides comprehensive functionality, but the complexity of the filter element structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidfilter element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge strips are designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support for the filter medium, housing sensor elements, containing scenting elements, and separating clean and dirty air sides. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the increased functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional space is segmented into distinct regions within the edge strips, with separate areas for sensor elements and scenting elements. The interface with recesses provides organized segmentation for different functional components, making the complex structure more manageable and easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the functional space is designed with recesses for sensor and scenting elements, then the elements can be easily inserted and replaced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelement replacementVSAvoidrecess dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are pre-formed during the manufacturing of the edge strips, with precise dimensions and positions established in advance. This preliminary action ensures that sensor elements and scenting elements can be easily inserted and replaced during operation, while the manufacturing precision is achieved during the initial production process rather than during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of stationary object

If the functional space is arranged inside the edge strips, then the filter element maintains its original volume, but the space for functional elements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter element volumeVSAvoidfunctional element space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The functional space is arranged in the third dimension within the edge strips, utilizing the depth and thickness of the edge strip structure. This dimensional approach allows functional elements to be accommodated without increasing the external footprint of the filter element, as the functional space is embedded within the existing structural volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3769833B1Filter element with functional chamber and filter arrangement with such a filter element and method for controlling a filter system

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

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Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element with a bellows (1) made of a pleated filter medium and edge strips (3) for delimiting the bellows (1), wherein the filter element (10) has a functional space (2) which adjoins the bellows (1) and is arranged within the edge strips (3), with an interface (4) between the bellows (1) and the functional space (2). According to the invention, the interface (4) is provided with at least one recess (5a, 5b) for receiving sensor elements (6a) and/or fragrance elements (7). Advantageously, this allows for the provision of at least one sensor element and/or at least one fragrance element and enables easy replacement of the fragrance elements. The invention also relates to a filter arrangement (100) in which easy replacement of a filter element is advantageously enabled, particularly if the filter element includes a reusable sensor element.