Fluted Filter Bridging Elements Prevent Telescoping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filters with seal support frames having integral webs consume significant housing volume and are not optimized for preventing telescoping of filter media packs under pressure differentials.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with alternating layers of face sheet and corrugated materials forming longitudinally oriented flutes, featuring bridging elements attached to the ends to resist telescoping, using adhesives or mechanical means for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If seal support frames with integral webs extending across the outlet end of the media pack are used, then resistance to pressure forces and prevention of telescoping is improved, but housing volume is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The seal support frame is divided into discrete support elements (spacers) rather than continuous integral webs. These spacers are positioned at specific locations around the periphery of the media pack outlet end, providing structural support without the need for complete web coverage. This segmentation reduces the volume occupied by the support structure while maintaining sufficient strength to resist pressure forces and prevent telescoping.
Solution Approach 2:
Support is provided locally at critical positions around the periphery of the media pack rather than uniformly across the entire outlet face. The spacers are strategically positioned where support is most needed to prevent telescoping under pressure differentials, eliminating the need for extensive integral webs that would occupy more housing volume.
2Reliability
If seal support frames with integral webs extending across the outlet end are used, then prevention of telescoping under maximum rated inlet fluid pressure is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The complex integral web structure is replaced with simpler discrete spacer elements. Each spacer is an independent component that can be easily manufactured and positioned, reducing the overall complexity of the seal support frame while maintaining the reliability needed to prevent telescoping under maximum rated inlet fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary portions of the seal support frame (integral webs extending completely across the outlet face) are removed, leaving only the essential spacer elements needed to prevent telescoping. This extraction of non-essential components simplifies the device while preserving the critical function of preventing telescoping under pressure.
3Reliability
If axially extending annular seal support frame with webs is used, then seal support is improved, but space utilization in housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous axially extending annular seal support frame with integral webs is segmented into discrete spacer elements positioned around the periphery. These spacers provide the necessary seal support to prevent fluid bypass while occupying significantly less space within the housing, thereby improving space utilization without compromising seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers function as thin structural elements that provide adequate seal support with minimal volume occupation. By using thin-film or slender spacer structures rather than bulky integral webs, the design maintains effective seal support while maximizing the usable space within the housing cavity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluted filter element (10) may include one or more bridging elements (26, 32, 34) to provide resistance to telescoping of the layers (12) of the fluted filter element (10) . The bridging elements (26, 32, 34) are attached to one or both of the filter faces (22, 24) via adhesives, and/or mechanical means, and may also take the form of one or more beads of adhesive applied across one or both ends of the filter element (10) . The adhesive beads may include a flexible element, such as a string, or strip of material embedded in the adhesive bead.