Filter Module With Latching Frame for Tolerance-Compensated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter systems face challenges in reliably and tightly securing filter elements within the filter housing, particularly due to component tolerances and ease of installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A filter module with a fastening frame and filter element, featuring a peripheral axial sealing element for tolerance compensation and vibration-proof mounting, and a radial sealing element for sealing between the dirty and clean sides, allowing secure latching and sealing without protruding beyond locking elements, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter element is mounted in a filter housing, then the filter element can be secured in position, but component tolerances cause unreliable sealing and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic deformation of the frame and sealing elements to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances. The frame is designed to elastically deform during mounting, allowing the sealing elements to compensate for dimensional variations and achieve reliable sealing despite tolerance accumulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-compression of sealing elements and elastic frame design that anticipates tolerance variations before mounting occurs. The elastic elements are pre-configured to deform and absorb tolerance deviations, ensuring sealing reliability is maintained even when component dimensions vary within tolerance ranges.
2Reliability
If a filter element is firmly secured in the filter housing, then sealing and positioning are improved, but installation and removal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mounting system into a dynamic one by incorporating elastic elements that can deform during installation and then maintain secure positioning once mounted. The frame and sealing elements are designed to be flexible during the installation process, allowing easy insertion, while providing firm securing after mounting is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate functional components: the frame structure, the elastic sealing elements, and the latching mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the frame provides structural support, the elastic elements provide sealing and tolerance compensation, and the latching mechanism provides secure positioning while allowing easy release.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are added to compensate for tolerances, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the frame and sealing elements to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The elastic frame structure provides both structural support and tolerance compensation, while the sealing elements provide both sealing and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the frame structure with the sealing function by integrating elastic sealing elements directly into the frame. Rather than using separate sealing components that would increase complexity, the sealing function is merged with the structural frame, allowing the same component to provide both mechanical support and sealing while compensating for tolerances through elastic deformation.
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 filter module ensures reliable and tight insertion and removal of the filter element, compensates for component tolerances, and provides effective sealing, simplifying the installation process while maintaining a secure locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealing element as an axial sealing element and the second sealing element is designed as a radial sealing element
Implementation Method 2
the fastening frame has at least one latching element on its outside, and wherein a second sealing element for sealing between the dirty side and the clean side is arranged on the filter element or on the fastening frame, which is guided into its sealing position when the at least one latching element latches
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filter module (100) for filtering a fluid, comprising at least one filter element (10) with a filter bellows (12) made of a filter medium (14) with an intended raw side (52) and an intended clean side (50) opposite thereto; a mounting frame (60) which is connected to the filter element (10) and which at least partially surrounds an edge (22) of the filter element (10) with a frame wall (62); a peripheral first sealing element (40) which is arranged on an outer side (64) of the frame wall (62) of the fastening frame (60), the fastening frame (60) having at least one latching element (80) on its outer side (64), with a second sealing element (32) is arranged on the filter element (10) for sealing between the raw side (50) and the clean side (52), which can be guided into its sealing position when the at least one latching element (80) engages. The invention also relates to an air filter system (110), in particular an interior air filter system, with an exchangeable filter module (100) and use of the filter module (100) for air filtering, in particular for interior air filtering, in particular in a vehicle.