Filter Element End Fold Sealing for Sorbent Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements with sorbent particles face challenges in reliably and cost-effectively retaining sorbent particles within the filter pack, often requiring additional materials and complex handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A filter element design featuring a zigzag-folded filter pack with end folds sealed by a strip-shaped end element and frame elements, where the end element's overhanging edge strip is bent and attached internally to secure the sorbent particles, eliminating the need for additional adhesives and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional adhesive strips are used to seal end folds, then sorbent particles are reliably retained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end element is integrated with the frame elements to form a unified sealing structure. The L-shaped configuration combines the longitudinal support function with the transverse sealing function, eliminating the need for separate adhesive strips while maintaining reliable particle retention through the cohesive unit design
2Reliability
If adhesive strips are added to seal end folds, then particle retention improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end element integrates multiple functions into a single component, combining frame support and end fold sealing. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining effective particle retention
Solution Approach 2:
The end element serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support as part of the frame, seals the end folds to retain sorbent particles, and maintains the dimensional stability of the filter pack. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated adhesive strips, reducing both cost and complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If end elements are integrated with frame elements, then manufacturing is simplified, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end element is designed with differentiated zones: the vertical portion provides structural support where needed, while the horizontal portion specifically targets the end fold sealing area. This localized functional differentiation ensures effective sealing at the critical end fold region while maintaining overall structural integrity through the integrated design
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The element (10) has a sorption-filter layer (14) and a particle filter layer (16) forming a zick-zack type folded filter pack (12) commonly with end folds (22) distanced from each other. End edges (24) of the end folds are sealed so that sorbent particles (20) are provided undetachably in the filter pack. The end folds are connected with a strip type front element (28) in a material-connection manner, where the front element with a projection-edge strip (36) is bent around the end edges of the folds and is connected with an inner side (46) of the end folds in a material-connection manner. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a filter element.