Filter Housing Heat Shrinkable Joint Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter housings face challenges in achieving a leak-proof construction due to inconsistent and unreliable sealants, and impracticality of welding, which compromises the efficiency of fluid filtration.
Innovation Solution
The use of heat shrinkable joint seals in filter housings to create a more reliable sealing mechanism, where heat shrinkable joint sealant pieces are positioned at the joints between side panels to prevent fluid leakage, optionally combined with mitered edges and corner sealant pieces for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sealant is used at joints, then the housing can be assembled from multiple panels, but the sealing reliability is inconsistent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of sealants with a mechanical sealing system consisting of compression gaskets and interlocking joint designs. The gaskets are compressed between mating surfaces to create a reliable seal, eliminating the inconsistent chemical adhesion of sealants while maintaining ease of assembly through simple mechanical insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from chemical (sealant adhesion) to mechanical (gasket compression). By adjusting the compression force applied to the gaskets through precision-machined joint surfaces and appropriate clamping forces, the system achieves consistent and reliable sealing that is independent of sealant quality variations.
2Reliability
If welding is used at joints, then the housing becomes leak-proof, but the process is not always practical and cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal welding processes with mechanical fastening systems including interlocking joints, compression gaskets, and removable fasteners. This allows the same leak-proof functionality to be achieved through mechanical means that are more practical, cost-effective, and flexible for various housing configurations and material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into multiple separable panels connected by mechanical joints rather than being welded into a monolithic structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance while maintaining sealing integrity through compression gaskets at each joint interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mitered edges are incorporated, then fluid escape is reduced, but the joints remain susceptible to gapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compression gaskets as intermediary sealing elements between the mitered joint surfaces. These gaskets fill and compensate for any gaps or irregularities in the mitered edges, providing a reliable sealing barrier that prevents fluid escape while allowing the mitered geometry to remain for structural integrity and aesthetics.
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 significantly improves the sealing capability of filter housings, ensuring efficient filtration by preventing fluid bypass and leakage, thus enhancing the overall filtering efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heat shrinkable joint sealant pieces are positioned at the joints between side panels to prevent fluid leakage
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus related to an air filter and filter housing are disclosed herein. The filter housing and/or filter frame utilize heat shrinkable sealant pieces to enhance the sealing capabilities of the filter housing and/or filter frame.