Filter Element End Plate Reinforcement Ring for Sealing and Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air filter systems face challenges in achieving reliable and temperature-resistant sealing, especially under extreme conditions and frequent replacements, while avoiding metallic components for safe disposal.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with end plates reinforced by a visible reinforcement ring allows for non-destructive monitoring of the foam filling level, ensuring a secure seal and stable assembly, using materials like polyurethane foam or elastomers, and a filter system design that includes a radial seal and cyclone separator for efficient dirt pre-separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the end plates are made from foam or elastomer mass without visible openings, then the sealing effect is improved, but the ability to monitor the filling level of the mass is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectVSAvoidfilling level monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement ring is designed with openings that allow visual detection of the foam filling level through light transmission or visual inspection. The openings in the reinforcement ring create a contrast that enables monitoring of whether the foam mass has reached the appropriate level during manufacturing, while still maintaining the sealing function when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement ring serves as an intermediary structure that both reinforces the end plate and provides monitoring functionality. The openings in the reinforcement ring act as intermediaries to allow visual inspection of the foam filling level without compromising the structural integrity or sealing capability of the end plate assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the reinforcement ring has closed edges, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to check the filling level of the foam mass is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfilling level control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement ring is segmented with openings that allow visual monitoring of the foam filling level. These openings are strategically positioned to provide monitoring capability while the remaining portions of the ring maintain structural strength. The segmentation allows both functions to coexist without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement ring has different properties in different locations: the openings provide monitoring functionality where needed, while the solid portions provide structural strength. This local differentiation allows the same component to serve multiple purposes - both as a structural element and as a monitoring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If metallic elements are used in the filter element, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the thermal disposal capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidthermal disposal capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end plates are made from composite materials combining foam or elastomer with reinforcement rings that can be made from non-metallic strengthening materials. This composite construction provides the necessary mechanical strength without metallic components, enabling thermal disposal while maintaining structural integrity through the combination of different material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a reliable, temperature-resistant, and vibration-proof seal, enabling efficient assembly and extended service life of air filters in high-stress systems like construction and agricultural machinery, with cost-effective and easy quality control during production.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the end plates is formed from a foam or elastomer mass foamed onto the end face of the filter body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP2764904B1Filter element
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP2764904B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2764904B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2764904B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The element has a filter body has a longitudinal axis. Two end plates are arranged on surfaces of the element. A supporting tube is placed on longitudinal axis between the two end plates. One of the end plate is reinforced with a reinforcing ring. Openings for control of a level of mass for connecting the first end plate with a front end of the filter body. The reinforcing ring comprises slots and coiled bars for gearing the mass of the first end plate in the filter body. The filter body is annular closed and zigzagly folded and made from paper or plastic fibers. An independent claim is also included for a filter system.