Flat Filter Element Side Edge Sealing and Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Plate-shaped filter elements used in filter devices are unstable due to sealing methods, which can lead to damage during installation in the filter housing.

Innovation Solution

The filter element features an adhesive section formed by gluing adjacent folds along the side edge and a separate strip section attached to the filter body, enhancing stability and sealing while allowing for simplified manufacturing and low weight, with the strip section also serving as a guide for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adjacent folds are glued along the side edge to seal the filter element, then sealing is achieved, but the filter element becomes unstable and prone to damage during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The side edge of the filter element is divided into multiple segments: adhesive sections for sealing and strip sections for stabilization. This segmentation allows different functional zones along the side edge, where the strip sections provide structural reinforcement without interfering with the sealing function of the adhesive sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element combines different materials in its side edge structure: the filter material itself and additional strip material that is attached to form strip sections. This composite structure provides both the sealing capability of the filter material and the stabilizing effect of the additional strip material, resolving the contradiction between sealing and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate strip section is added to stabilize the filter element, then installation stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strip sections are integrated into the filter element manufacturing process itself, combining the filter material and strip material into a single unified structure. This merging approach allows the strip sections to be produced simultaneously with the filter element in one manufacturing process, avoiding the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side edge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the adhesive sections provide sealing, while the strip sections provide structural stabilization. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated design, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the enhanced functionality.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3226999B1Flat filter element, and filter device
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP3226999B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3226999B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flat filter element (5) having a filter body (9) made up of a folded filter material (10), said filter element having a side edge (12) running along its edge in the circumferential direction. A stable design and sealing of the filter element (5) are achieved by the side edge having at least one adhesive portion (14) extending along the side edge (12), and at least one strip portion (15) with a side strip (16), said strip portion extending along the side edge (12). The invention also relates to a filter device (1) having a filter housing (2) in which a filter element (5) of this type is arranged. The invention additionally relates to a filter housing (2) of this type.