Filter Element Sealing Cavity and Centering Edge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements compress the seal due to their weight, leading to improper sealing and unfiltered air being drawn into the connection between the filter element and the connecting plate or flange, resulting in ineffective filtration.
Innovation Solution
The filter element features a cavity at the first end zone to accommodate a seal, ensuring direct contact between the outer wall and the connecting plate or flange for gastight sealing, along with a centering edge and toadstool-like connecting elements for easy alignment and secure attachment, ensuring all inhaled air is filtered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter element is attached to the connecting plate or flange by means of a snap connection with a seal, then the filter element can be easily installed and removed, but the weight of the filter element compresses the seal causing the filter element to extend at a slight angle, resulting in improper sealing and unfiltered air being drawn in
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into functional zones: an upper connection zone for easy attachment/detachment and a lower filtration zone with improved sealing geometry. The annular disc is segmented to provide both connection functionality and sealing support, separating the attachment function from the sealing function to prevent weight-induced sealing failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is moved from a radial seal arrangement to an axial seal arrangement by positioning the seal in a cavity at the bottom end of the filter element. This dimensional change allows the seal to effectively counteract the vertical weight force of the filter element, preventing angle deviation and maintaining reliable sealing during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the filter element is designed with a simple cylindrical structure, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the positioning and centering of the filter element on the connecting plate or flange is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall extends beyond the outer wall at the bottom end to form an annular centering edge. This asymmetric geometry provides a mechanical reference feature that automatically centers the filter element on the connecting plate or flange during installation, eliminating positioning difficulties while maintaining simple cylindrical manufacturing for the main body.
3Device complexity
If the seal is positioned between the annular disc and the connecting plate or flange, then the connection is structurally simple, but the weight of the filter element compresses the seal causing air to be drawn into the opening without being filtered
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is positioned in a cavity at the bottom end of the filter element, acting as an intermediary between the filter element weight and the connecting plate. This seal configuration prevents direct compression of the sealing interface by the filter element weight, eliminating the pathway for unfiltered air ingress while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
This configuration ensures complete filtration of air by maintaining a sealed connection and simplifies the positioning and attachment of the filter element, preventing unfiltered air from entering and allowing efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the filter material is active carbon. A filter of active carbon has the advantage that odours are efficiently neutralized.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element, comprising: - two at least substantially cylindrical gas-permeable walls, wherein an outer wall extends concentrically at a distance round an inner wall such that the two walls define a space in which a filter material is arranged; - an annular first closing member extending between the two walls close to a first end zone of the filter element for the purpose of closing the space close to the first end zone; - a disc-like second closing member extending close to the second end zone of the filter element for the purpose of closing the filter element close to the second end zone; and - coupling means for releasable coupling of the first end zone of the filter element to a connecting plate or flange such that in connected position the filter element connects concentrically to an opening in the connecting plate or flange, wherein: - the two walls and the first closing member define a cavity close to the first end zone of the filter element for accommodating a seal; and - during operation a first outer end of the outer wall is in direct contact with the connecting plate or flange.