Self-Supporting Filter Segment with Composite Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter segments for rotary filters are heavy, costly, and require intermediate struts for stability, which reduce filtration performance and increase weight, while also providing a surface for contaminants to attach, thus necessitating a design that enhances stability, reduces weight, and maintains filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting plastic frame element with integrated reinforcement, such as glass fibers or metal, that eliminates the need for internal struts, combined with a thermally embedded filter material and a sealing lip for reliable sealing, and a modular design using few individual elements for assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate struts are added to stabilize the filter segment, then stability is improved, but weight increases and filtration performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element uses composite materials (plastic with glass fiber reinforcement) to achieve high stability without additional metal struts. The composite structure provides the necessary rigidity and strength while maintaining low weight, eliminating the need for intermediate stabilizing struts that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame element incorporates localized reinforcement through glass fiber integration in critical areas, providing enhanced stability only where needed rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized quality enhancement allows the frame to maintain stability without requiring comprehensive strut support across the whole filter segment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate struts are added to stabilize the filter segment, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element is manufactured as a single integrated composite component using plastic with glass fiber reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate metal strut components and their associated assembly operations. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing function previously requiring separate intermediate strut components is merged into the frame element itself through composite material construction. This consolidation eliminates multiple parts and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing cost while achieving the required stability.
3Strength
If intermediate struts are added to stabilize the filter segment, then structural support is improved, but filtration performance decreases due to contaminant attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials (plastic with glass fiber reinforcement) provides the necessary structural support and rigidity without introducing metal struts that could catalyze contaminant attachment. The composite frame maintains structural integrity while being chemically inert regarding contaminant interaction, thus preserving filtration performance.
4Weight of moving object
If a self-supporting frame element is used without intermediate struts, then weight is reduced and filtration area is maximized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material structure with glass fiber reinforcement provides inherent dimensional stability and rigidity, compensating for the absence of intermediate struts. This material property allows the frame to maintain precise geometric dimensions and structural integrity without additional support elements, reducing the practical impact of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution results in a lightweight, cost-effective filter segment with enhanced stability and filtration performance, reduced risk of contaminant attachment, and simplified maintenance, ensuring long service life and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the frame element can consist of a material composition that already has sufficient stability to ensure the self-supporting properties. In this context, it is conceivable, for example, to use high-strength plastic materials and/or plastics that are reinforced with special fibers such as glass fibers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filter segment for use in a filtration device, in particular a rotary filter for filtering liquids, comprising a frame element (1) made at least partially of plastic and enclosing a filtration area, in which at least one planar filter material (2) spanning the filtration area is embedded. According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one reinforcement (3), for example in the form of a reinforcing frame extending through the entire frame element (1) and/or individual reinforcing elements, is arranged within the frame element (1).Furthermore, a circular segment for receiving at least one filter segment and for use in a filtration device, in particular a rotary filter for filtering liquids, is the subject of the invention, wherein the circular segment has two opposing side sections, each of which has an inner surface (11) for guiding the filter segment and a corresponding outer surface (9), which is designed as an adjacent surface for the corresponding outer surface (9) of another circular segment, and wherein the circular segment consists of detachably connected individual elements (6). Finally, the circular segment is characterized in that at least two of the individual elements (6) are of the same construction.