Filter Element Annular Seal Radial Indentations Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems face challenges in securely positioning and sealing filter elements within their housings, leading to potential misalignment and improper installation, which can result in ineffective sealing and operation.
Innovation Solution
The filter element features an annular filter medium with a positioning and sealing section that includes radial indentations on the outside, allowing for positive engagement with the filter housing's interference geometries, ensuring correct axial and radial positioning and sealing, and preventing rotation once installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple seal design is used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but positioning precision and sealing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two functional segments: a positioning section with radial indentations for angular positioning, and a sealing section with concentric annular rings for radial sealing. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and sealing section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular positioning through radial indentations, radial sealing through concentric rings, and axial positioning through the interface geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning and sealing components.
2Reliability
If a form-fitting contour is added to the end disc, then positioning reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning features (radial indentations) and sealing features (concentric annular rings) are merged into a single integrated positioning and sealing section. This consolidation provides reliable positioning while avoiding the complexity of separate positioning and sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is achieved through radial indentations that engage with corresponding features on the housing, creating angular positioning through a different geometric dimension than traditional axial positioning methods. This adds positioning capability without increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the interface extends further into the positioning and sealing section, then sealing effectiveness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface geometry is optimized with local quality variations: the radial indentations provide angular positioning, the concentric annular rings provide radial sealing, and the interface extension provides axial positioning and sealing. Each local region is designed with specific geometric properties suited to its function, improving sealing effectiveness while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for exchangeable installation into a filter housing has an annular filter medium with an annular seal secured directly or indirectly onto the first axial end. The annular seal having a positioning and sealing section and concentric annular sealing rings between which a sealing groove is formed. A radially outer side of the radially outer annular ring having a key locking system formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radial projections, spaced apart by radial indentations, adapted to positively engage cooperative configured geometries or key locking features of a filter housing when in an installed state, thereby locking a rotational orientation and position of the filter element.