Flush Seal Support Ring for Straight-Through Fluid Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid filters with fluted or pleated filter media packs face challenges in sealing effectively within existing housing envelopes while maintaining unimpeded fluid flow and requiring frequent replacement due to particulate buildup, which affects their filtration efficiency and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A pre-formed seal support ring surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the fluted filter media, with a molded seal member that is flush with the terminating end, allowing for secure sealing without obstructing fluid flow and enabling easy attachment to the housing, using materials like plastic or metal for the ring and foamed urethane or rubber-like materials for the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a seal support ring extends beyond the flow faces to provide sealing surface area, then sealing efficiency is improved, but fluid flow is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal support ring is designed with differentiated zones: a first portion that extends beyond the flow face to provide sealing surface area, and a second portion that is confined between the flow faces to avoid obstruction. This local differentiation allows the ring to perform sealing function without impeding fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal support ring is segmented into functional portions: an outer peripheral sealing portion that extends beyond the flow face for sealing engagement, and an inner support portion confined between flow faces for structural support. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If filter media is densely packed to increase filtration capacity, then filtration efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The filter media is arranged in a three-dimensional fluted configuration with alternating inlet and outlet flutes, creating multiple flow paths through the filter element. This dimensional arrangement increases filtration capacity while maintaining open flow channels, reducing pressure drop compared to traditional two-dimensional pleated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the seal member is molded onto the seal support ring to ensure sealing contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is molded directly onto the seal support ring in an integrated manufacturing process, combining two components into a single assembled unit. This merging ensures precise sealing contact while simplifying assembly and reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8673043B2Fluid filter

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 BALDWIN FILTERS INC

AI summary

A straight through flow filter element is provided in which the seal and/or seal support may be arranged to be generally flush with the flow face of the filter media pack. In some embodiments, long filter media packs may be facilitated. Additionally, certain processing advantages in simplicity of molding a seal on the support can be accomplished.