Interconnected Filter Element with Radial Sealing Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter element designs require axial preload and additional installation effort for sealing, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A filter element composed of interconnected standard elements with radially circumferential sealing beads and an intermediate disk for secure connection, allowing for flexible assembly and enhanced stability, using elastic end plates and rigid connecting pieces for reliable sealing without axial preload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional seal is arranged in the area of the cylindrical central part to ensure sealing between individual elements, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separate seal component from the connection structure and integrates the sealing function directly into the connecting piece through the conical geometry. The cone itself creates the sealing action by hooking onto the end plate, eliminating the need for an additional seal component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the connection function and sealing function into a single integrated structure. The conical connecting piece simultaneously provides mechanical connection and sealing, merging two previously separate functions into one component.
2Reliability
If axial preload is applied to individual elements to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation and installation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying axial preload to ensure sealing, the patent inverts the approach by using radial expansion through the conical geometry. The cone hooks onto the end plate and creates sealing through radial contact pressure generated by the expansion, rather than axial compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical connecting piece automatically generates the necessary sealing pressure through its own geometric expansion when inserted. The structure self-regulates the sealing force based on the interference fit between the cone and end plate, eliminating the need for external preload application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different filter element sizes are manufactured to meet various requirements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filter element into standardized modular individual elements that can be connected in series. By using uniform end plates and connecting pieces, the system can create filter elements of various lengths by simply adding or removing modules, rather than manufacturing completely different sized elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal connecting pieces and end plates that can be used across all filter element configurations. The same standard components serve multiple functions and can be combined in different quantities to produce various filter element sizes, achieving versatility through standardization.
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 efficient assembly, increased stability, and reduced costs by eliminating the need for axial preload, while ensuring a reliable seal and preventing uncontrolled detachment of elements during handling.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the material pairing of a relatively elastic end disk with a relatively rigid connecting piece, the sealing bead is pressed into the end disk, as a result of which a reliable seal is produced between the end disk and the connecting piece
Implementation Method 2
The sealing beads have an outside diameter (D) which is larger than the inside diameter (d) of the end plate. Due to the elasticity of the end plate, the inner diameter is expanded somewhat, which means that the sealing beads can be pushed into the inner diameter of the end plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter element comprises at least two individual elements (10) interconnected by a connector (11). Each element comprises two end disks (13) and a filter medium (12) arranged between the end disks. The connector has a radially circumferential sealing bead (23) which engages the end disk of the individual element.