Flexible Air Filter Element With Angled Sideband Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements with pleated filter media face issues during installation and removal due to stress on protruding parts of sidebands, which can lead to damage from mounting forces and adhesive contamination, especially when repeatedly installed.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with flexible side elements, such as nonwoven fabric sidebands, that are angled and affixed to fold edges of the pleated filter medium, allowing for easy installation and sealing, while minimizing adhesive contact with the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sideband protrudes above the filter element to enable sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but the sideband is subjected to high stress during mounting and removal, leading to bonding damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sideband is divided into a main section and an end section that are detachably connected. The end section can be separated from the main section after mounting, allowing the sideband to protrude for sealing while avoiding stress concentration at the bonding interface during removal
Solution Approach 2:
The end section of the sideband is extracted as a separate component that can be detached from the filter element after installation. This allows the sealing function to be maintained while the detached end section no longer transmits mounting stresses to the bonding interface
2Ease of operation
If the filter element is bent for insertion into the housing, then ease of installation is improved, but the sideband bonding to the pleated filter pack is damaged by repeated installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sideband is designed with flexible positioning that allows it to adapt to different installation configurations. The detachable end section enables the sideband to be repositioned or replaced after bending and repeated installation cycles, maintaining bonding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sideband configuration is changed from fixed to adjustable through the detachable end section. This allows parameter changes in the sideband's position and configuration to accommodate bent installation while protecting the bonding interface
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sideband is made rigid to maintain sealing shape, then sealing stability is improved, but the filter element cannot be bent for installation in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sideband is segmented into main section and end section with different functional requirements. The main section maintains sealing stability while the end section provides flexibility for bending during installation through detachable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The sideband uses a flexible structure with detachable end section that can bend during installation while maintaining sealing stability when installed. The flexibility is achieved through the detachable connection rather than material flexibility alone
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
Facilitates easy installation and removal by reducing stress on sidebands, prevents adhesive contamination, and ensures reliable sealing of the pleats, even in deformed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The end section and the fold edges are secured to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a deformable filter element comprising a flexible side element to seal pleats of its filter medium. An end section of the side element is bent over fold edges. The end section and the fold edges are secured to one another. The end section and a main section of the side element, which main section is typically arranged perpendicular to the fold edges, are neither parallel nor perpendicular to each other.