Filter Element Groove-Shaped Receiving Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter element welding processes require high heat input, leading to potential joint loosening under fluid stress or unreliable welds, and involve harmful welding fumes and complex extraction systems, increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with groove-shaped receiving channels for securing filter mat web ends without welding, using pretension and environmentally friendly adhesives, and a support tube design with ribs and channels to maintain pleat alignment and reduce stress on the weld seam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high heat input welding is used to join filter mat web ends, then a tight connection is achieved, but the welded joint loosens under fluid stress or cannot be created reliably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelded joint strengthVSAvoidwelded joint reliability under fluid stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal welding system with a mechanical joining system using connecting parts that have receiving channels for the web ends. This mechanical connection avoids the thermal stress problems of welding while providing reliable joint strength and stability under fluid stress conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the joining mechanism from thermal (welding) to mechanical (receiving channels with pretension). This parameter change allows the filter mat web ends to be connected reliably without the heat input that causes joint loosening, while maintaining connection strength through elastic pretension forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If welding process is used to join filter mat web ends, then a tight connection is achieved, but harmful welding fumes are produced requiring complex extraction systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidwelding fumes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the welding process (which generates harmful fumes) with a mechanical joining process using connecting parts with receiving channels. This eliminates the generation of welding fumes and associated environmental hazards while maintaining strong connections between filter mat web ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting parts can be made from inexpensive materials and disposed of if necessary, replacing the need for expensive welding equipment and complex fume extraction systems. The mechanical joining method is simpler and more environmentally friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If thermal input is reduced to avoid joint loosening, then welding safety is improved, but reliable welded joint along entire length cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelded joint stabilityVSAvoidwelded joint strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal welding system with a mechanical joining system using connecting parts. This allows reliable connection along the entire length of web ends without the thermal input that causes joint loosening, achieving both strength and stability through mechanical pretension forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If connecting device is used to join filter mat web ends, then welding costs and complexity are reduced, but secure connection requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining process complexityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connecting part with the support tube structure, integrating the joining function into the existing support tube. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure connections, as the connecting part becomes an integral component rather than a separate addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a secure, cost-effective connection of filter mat web ends in a hollow filter element, preventing pleat folding and maintaining filter performance, while eliminating harmful welding fumes and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

Because the filter mat web and its individual filter layers are mainly of plastic materials and can be compressed, the ends can be inserted with appropriate pretension into the respective groove-shaped receiving channel, where the web end is then secured based on its inherent elasticity.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12257540B2Filter element

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 HYDAC FILTERTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A filter element has a filter mat web (10) with free, mutually adjacent web ends (12) joined along a joint (16) forming a hollow body. The joint (16) is made of at least one connecting part (18), which is provided with groove-shaped receiving channels (20, 22. Each of the receiving channels is used to receive one web end (12) of the filter mat (10).