Injection-Molded Sealing Element for Liquid Filter Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices, such as oil and fuel filters, face challenges in effectively and reliably separating the raw side from the clean side without requiring separate assembly steps for sealing elements, which can lead to leakage issues due to potential deformation and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a hollow cylindrical filter element and an injection-molded sealing element onto an annular socket, where the sealing material is applied directly during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly and enhancing stability by transmitting axial forces to the filter housing, and using fluorosilicone rubber for improved fuel resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sealing ring component is used, then the sealing function can be provided, but additional assembly steps are required and leakage risks increase due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated directly into the terminal disk as a monolithic component, eliminating the need for separate assembly of sealing rings. The terminal disk and sealing element are injection-molded together as one piece, ensuring proper alignment and eliminating leakage risks associated with separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal disk serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables fluid discharge through its central opening, and integrates the sealing function directly into its structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate sealing ring is assembled, then installation flexibility is maintained, but mounting errors can cause leakage flows
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element and terminal disk are combined into a single injection-molded component, eliminating mounting errors associated with separate assembly. The integrated design ensures that the sealing function is inherently aligned with the terminal disk structure, preventing leakage flows caused by improper installation.
3Volume of moving object
If the sealing element is thin-walled, then space is saved, but deformation under axial load can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled sealing element is integrated with the terminal disk structure, allowing the combined component to bear axial loads. The terminal disk provides structural support to the thin-walled sealing portion, preventing deformation under load while maintaining the space-saving thin-walled design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-integrated into the terminal disk during injection molding, creating a rigid combined structure before the filter assembly is installed. This preliminary integration ensures that the thin-walled sealing portion is supported by the terminal disk structure, preventing deformation under subsequent axial loads.
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 prevents leakage flows by ensuring a secure and space-saving integration of the sealing element, improving the filter device's stability and sealing efficiency, particularly in fuel filters, by using injection-molded silicone materials and shaped elements for enhanced adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
shaped elements that contribute to an improved adhesion of the sealing material on the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device comprises a hollow cylindrical filter element in a filter housing. The fluid that is to be purified is to radially flow through the filter element. The interior of the filter element forms an axial flow chamber for the fluid. An end plate is arranged on the front side of the filter element. An annular neck, onto which a sealing element is injection-molded, is connected to the end plate.