Filter Module With Asymmetric Pleat Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter modules with pleated filter membranes suffer from suboptimal space utilization, particularly with thick membranes, leading to difficulties in inserting the pleated membrane into the annular gap and inefficient use of space near the inner tube.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating counter-folds with a height smaller than or equal to the difference between the annular gap width and the smallest fold height, allowing for optimal space filling without using overly long folds, which simplifies the insertion process and maximizes space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If folds with greater fold height are used to maximize space utilization near the inner tube, then space utilization is improved, but the insertion of the pleated filter membrane into the annular gap becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pleated filter membrane is divided into multiple pleat types with different fold heights (first, second, and third fold heights). This segmentation allows different regions of the annular gap to be optimally filled - taller pleats near the inner tube maximize space utilization in that region, while shorter pleats toward the outer tube facilitate easier insertion and accommodate the geometric constraints of the annular gap.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pleated filter membrane are assigned different fold heights based on their specific spatial requirements. The first fold type with greatest fold height is used where maximum space utilization is needed (near the inner tube), while the second and third fold types with progressively smaller fold heights are used in regions where easier insertion and accommodation of the annular gap geometry are priorities.
2Area of stationary object
If overly long folds are used to fill space near the inner tube, then space utilization is improved, but the folds bulge in the circumferential direction when inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different fold height characteristics to different circumferential positions. The first fold type with greatest fold height is strategically positioned to fill space near the inner tube without being excessively long, while the second and third fold types with smaller fold heights are positioned toward the outer tube. This local differentiation prevents the bulging distortion that would occur with uniformly overly long folds.
Solution Approach 2:
The pleated filter membrane employs an asymmetric distribution of fold heights rather than uniform fold dimensions. The fold heights are asymmetrically varied (first fold height > second fold height > third fold height) to match the asymmetric space availability in the annular gap, with taller folds near the inner tube and shorter folds toward the outer tube, thereby preventing shape distortion.
3Ease of operation
If torsional forces are used to insert the pleated filter membrane, then insertion is achieved, but the folds are bent in a C-arc-like manner complicating the process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pleated filter membrane into multiple pleat types with different fold heights, the invention reduces the need for excessive torsional forcing during insertion. The shorter second and third fold types toward the outer tube naturally accommodate the insertion process, allowing the membrane to be inserted with less complex C-arc-like bending compared to using uniformly long folds throughout.
Data Source
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Figure 5~5a
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter module comprising a perforated inner tube (20) and a perforated outer tube (22) which concentrically surrounds the inner tube (20), said inner tube and outer tube forming an annular gap between one another in which a filter membrane (10) that is pleated into folds (11, 12, 13, 14) is arranged, wherein the membrane folds (11, 12, 13, 14), which are divided into multiple fold types with different fold heights, extend from a respective fold edge (111, 121, 131, 141) resting against the outer tube (22) in the direction of the inner tube (20) to the respective fold tip (114, 124, 134, 144) and are arranged along the circumference of the annular gap as groups of folds (11, 12, 13, 14) of different fold types. The invention is characterized in that each group has a mating fold (15) which extends from a mating fold edge (151) resting against the inner tube (20) in the direction of the outer tube (22) to the mating fold tip (154) and the fold height of which is less than or equal to the difference between the width of the annular gap and the fold height of the fold type with the shortest fold height of the same group.