Filter Insert Sealing Element Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter inserts face challenges in achieving both radial and axial sealing effectively and cost-effectively, with existing solutions either requiring soft and resilient materials for sealing or being unsuitable for axial sealing due to design limitations.

Innovation Solution

A filter insert design featuring a reinforcement clip with a separate, independent sealing element having movable outer sections connected to a central section, allowing for both radial and axial sealing without affecting the connection between the sealing element and the reinforcement clip, enabling the use of different materials for each component and facilitating assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the reinforcing element and seal are combined into a common component made of the same material, then cost-effective production is achieved, but the seal cannot achieve required sealing properties without being soft and resilient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effective productionVSAvoidsealing properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is divided into multiple independent sections (first outer sealing section, second outer sealing section, and central sealing section) that can move relative to each other, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific sealing function while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is designed with movable outer sections that can independently adjust their position during the transition from rest position to sealing position, enabling adaptive sealing that maintains reliability without requiring the entire component to be soft and resilient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a V-shaped double sealing flap with angular legs is used, then sealing capability is provided, but axial sealing becomes unsuitable due to the angular spread of the legs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidaxial sealing suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is segmented into distinct functional sections: outer sealing sections for radial sealing and a central sealing section for axial sealing, allowing each section to perform its specific sealing function effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is designed to provide both radial sealing (through outer sealing sections) and axial sealing (through central sealing section) capabilities within a single component, making it versatile for different sealing directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the sealing element is designed as a separate independent component, then different materials can be used for reinforcement and sealing, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial suitabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is designed as a single integrated component with multiple sealing sections that can move relative to each other, combining the benefits of separate material optimization with reduced structural complexity compared to fully separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design provides a structurally simple, cost-effective seal that can adapt to various conditions, ensuring effective sealing in both radial and axial directions, even after frequent use, by allowing independent movement of the outer sealing sections and utilizing materials suited for their intended use.

Implementation Method 1

The outer sealing sections (8, 9) are designed to be movable relative to the central sealing section (7)... it is possible for the outer sealing sections to change their relative position in relation to the central sealing section during the transition from the unloaded rest position to the sealing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a seal is integrally formed, which can be placed under elastic pretension in a sealing manner against the adjoining housing wall of the filter housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic pretension: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1923115B1Filter insert
Publication Date: 2010.03.24 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP1923115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The insert (2) has a sealing element (6) i.e. foam material strip, arranged on a reinforcement clamp (5), where the sealing element and the clamp are independent, separate components. The sealing element has a central sealing element section and two outer sealing element sections connected to the central sealing element section. The central sealing element section is attached to a wall of the clamp. The two outer sealing element sections are connected to the central sealing element section so as to be movable relative to the central sealing element section.