Filter Element Seal Support Structure for Housing Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need in the industry for improved and alternative filter arrangements that are compact, offer design flexibility, and ensure compatibility between filter elements and systems, while also reducing manufacturing costs and preventing the installation of inappropriate filter elements.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a circumferential seal support structure that includes a first and second seal, where the axial projections of these seals define closed perimeters with a non-overlap region, allowing for airtight sealing and design flexibility by decoupling the shape of complementary housing portions and main housing portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a filter element uses a single seal configuration, then the structure is simple, but the design flexibility and adaptability to different housing shapes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seal support structure is divided into multiple seals (first seal, second seal, and optionally third seal) with distinct sealing perimeters. Each seal operates independently to seal against different housing portions, allowing the filter element to adapt to complex housing geometries while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the filter media pack, creates multiple sealing interfaces with different housing portions, and enables design flexibility through non-overlapping seal perimeters. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filter elements are designed for specific vehicle types with predetermined conditions, then filtration performance is optimized, but compatibility with different systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element design with multiple seals and non-overlapping perimeters creates a universal interface that can accommodate different housing shapes and sizes while maintaining reliable sealing. This universality allows the same filter element to be reliably used across different vehicle types and systems without compromising filtration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal perimeters are designed with asymmetric, non-overlapping configurations that can adapt to asymmetric housing geometries. This asymmetric design allows the filter element to maintain reliable sealing performance across diverse system configurations rather than requiring symmetric or standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal perimeters overlap in projection, then the sealing surfaces can be simplified, but the design flexibility and ability to decouple housing portions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple non-overlapping perimeters, each handling a specific housing portion. This segmentation allows independent design and positioning of each seal relative to its corresponding housing portion, enabling decoupling of housing portions while maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring complex overlapping arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal support structure extends in the axial dimension to accommodate multiple seals at different positions. By utilizing the axial dimension rather than relying solely on radial overlap, the design achieves housing portion decoupling while keeping the seal arrangement manageable in complexity.
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 enhanced design flexibility, ensures correct filter element installation, and allows for the reuse of components across different air cleaner systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first seal and a second seal, wherein axial projections of the first seal and the second seal along a longitudinal axis of the filter element on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define a first closed perimeter and a second closed perimeter
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A filter element for the filtration of gaseous fluids, comprising a filter media pack having a longitudinal axis, and a circumferential seal support structure sealingly coupled to a sidewall of the media pack, the seal support structure further comprising a first seal and a second seal; wherein axial projections of the first and the second seal along the longitudinal axis on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis define a first and a second closed perimeter, and wherein the areas corresponding to the first and the second closed perimeter comprise a non-overlap region; and associated filter assembly.