Filter Element Support Grid Resists Airflow Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engine air filters face deflection forces due to airflow-induced pressure drops, which can lead to deformation and reduced airflow, especially when contaminated or wet, necessitating a solution to strengthen the filter media against these forces.

Innovation Solution

An air filter assembly with a peripheral seal frame and a substantially rigid support grid on the downstream side of the filter media, featuring side rails, support ribs, and engagement with the filter housing to resist deflection forces, along with cushioning members to mitigate noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If filter media is made thinner to reduce pressure drop, then airflow efficiency is improved, but structural strength against deflection forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines thin filter media with a rigid support grid structure to create a composite assembly. The thin media (e.g., pleated paper) provides filtering function with minimal pressure drop, while the integrated rigid grid provides structural strength to resist deflection forces from airflow and contamination accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If filter media is made thicker to increase strength, then resistance to deflection forces is improved, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filter element into two functional components: a thin filter media layer for contamination filtration and a separate rigid support grid structure for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the media remains thin to minimize pressure drop while the grid provides necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If support structures are added to strengthen filter media, then resistance to deflection forces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deflection forcesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support grid and filter media into an integrated assembly where the grid is positioned behind and supported by the media. This combining approach provides the necessary structural support while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single replaceable filter element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9776118B2Filter element and housing with cooperating filter media support structures

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A filter element having a filter media support structure as well as a filter assembly having interacting filter media support structure components are disclosed. The support structure includes a support grid arranged on a clean side of the filter media. At least one support member is secured onto the support grid and extends outwardly away from the support grid and the filter media. The at least one support member is configured and adapted to supportively engage a respective mating support member to transfer forces from the filter element to the housing.