Fluted Filtration Media Pack to Reduce Sheet Masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid filtration systems face challenges in effectively reducing particulate contaminants in air streams due to issues such as restricted fluid flow and inefficient contaminant removal, particularly in applications like internal combustion engines and power generation equipment.

Innovation Solution

The use of a filtration media pack comprising multiple layers of fluted sheets and facing sheets with protrusions that minimize masking between the sheets, allowing for improved fluid flow and enhanced contaminant removal by controlling the flow paths of air through the flutes, which are partially closed at both ends or at interior locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluted sheets are used in filtration media packs, then contaminant removal efficiency is improved, but masking between sheets increases restricting fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protrusions that extend from the fluted sheet into the flutes, creating a third dimensional element within the two-sheet structure. These protrusions push the opposing sheet away, preventing masking and maintaining flow channels, thus resolving the contradiction between contaminant removal efficiency and fluid flow productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If protrusions are added to fluted sheets, then masking between sheets is reduced improving fluid flow, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flowVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluted sheet is segmented into multiple protrusions distributed across its surface, each independently pushing against the opposing sheet to prevent masking. This segmentation allows the complex function of preventing masking throughout the entire filter area to be achieved through multiple simple, identical elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If flutes are closed at both ends, then filtration efficiency is improved, but dust loading capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoiddust loading capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different qualities to different portions of the flutes: the ends are closed to maintain filtration efficiency, while the interior portions remain open to provide dust loading capacity. The protrusions locally modify the structure to prevent masking while preserving the open interior volume needed for contaminant accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances filtration efficiency by reducing masking and optimizing fluid flow, leading to improved contaminant removal and increased dust loading capacity, thereby improving the performance of fluid filtration systems.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for improved fluid flow and enhanced contaminant removal by controlling the flow paths of air through the flutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

Air passing into one face of the media pack and out the other face passes through media to provide filtration of the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3950093B1Filtration media pack
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 DONALDSON CO INC
  • EP3950093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3950093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3950093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filtration media pack including a plurality of layers of filter media is disclosed. The media pack includes fluted sheets and a facing sheet, with a plurality of flutes extending between the fluted sheets and the facing sheets. In an embodiment, the fluted sheet includes a plurality of protrusions that contact the facing sheet.