Filter Support Tube with Variable Web Cross-Section
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements face high pressure loss due to reduced flow cross-sections caused by support grids under torsional and bending stresses during assembly and disassembly, which increases material usage and stress on specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A support tube design with progressively larger passage openings near one axial end and smaller openings near the other, featuring a helical structure with intersecting webs for optimal strength and flow, made from thermoplastic material with fiber reinforcement, and reinforced at the fastening area for reduced pressure loss and stress absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the webs of the support grid have a large force-transmitting cross section to resist torsional forces during assembly and disassembly, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the flow cross section of the flow openings between the webs is reduced, increasing the pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The support grid is designed with variable web thickness along its length. The webs have a larger cross-section in the region adjacent to the second axial end (where assembly/disassembly forces are applied) and a smaller cross-section in the region adjacent to the first axial end. This local variation in geometry allows the grid to resist torsional forces where needed while maintaining larger flow openings in the opposite region, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and pressure loss.
2Reliability
If the webs of the support grid are made with sufficient cross section to transmit torsional forces, then the reliability under load is improved, but the flow area between webs is reduced, worsening the pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The support grid implements local quality by varying the web dimensions along its axial length. The webs are designed with greater thickness and structural capacity in the region subjected to high torsional loads during assembly and disassembly, while having reduced dimensions in regions where flow area is more critical. This localized optimization ensures reliability under load while minimizing pressure loss across the filter element.
3Loss of energy
If larger passage openings are provided in the support grid, then the pressure loss is reduced and flow efficiency is improved, but the strength and resistance to torsional stresses are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support grid applies local quality by creating a gradient in web dimensions along its length. Larger passage openings are provided in the region adjacent to the first axial end where flow efficiency is prioritized, while the webs maintain sufficient strength in the region adjacent to the second axial end where they must resist assembly and disassembly forces. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between pressure loss and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support grid is effectively segmented into functional zones along its axial length. The first region (adjacent to the first axial end) is optimized for flow with larger openings, while the second region (adjacent to the second axial end) is optimized for mechanical strength with larger web cross-sections. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its primary function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between pressure loss and strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The supporting grid (11) has multiple webs, which are partially connected with each other, and a hollow-cylindrical grid structure surrounding in a cylindrical interior space. A center opening cross section of the passage openings (13) is greater in an area adjacent to a first axial end of the support grid than in a second area adjacent to a second axial end of the support grid. A fastening unit has a thread (17) for positive fastening in a filter housing at the second axial end. An independent claim is included for a filter element with star-shaped filter bellows.