Foamed Thermoplastic Edge Strip for Filter Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter frames often fail to provide adequate sealing at the edges, leading to unwanted leakage and reduced filter performance, especially in applications requiring clean air or gas flow.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with an edge strip made of foamed thermoplastic material, molded to both the edge and circumferential portions of the filter body, forming a U-shaped cross-section for enhanced support and sealing, eliminating the need for additional adhesives and providing a more robust and efficient sealing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a frame structure is used to support the filter, then the filter stability and mechanical strength are improved, but the sealing performance at the filter edges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter stabilityVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support function and sealing function into a single integrated edge strip component. The edge strip comprises a rigid outer layer for structural support and an inner layer with adhesive properties for sealing, combining both functions in one element that is applied to the filter edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge strip is constructed as a composite material structure with an outer rigid layer providing mechanical strength and stability, and an inner layer with adhesive and sealing properties. This composite structure allows the single component to simultaneously provide both support and sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a frame structure is used to support the filter, then the filter can withstand mechanical strain and air pressure, but additional sealing components or adhesives are required, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strain resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support function and sealing function into a single integrated edge strip component. The edge strip comprises a rigid outer layer for structural support and an inner layer with adhesive properties for sealing, combining both functions in one element that is applied to the filter edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge strip is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, edge protection, and sealing functions. This universal component eliminates the need for separate frame structures and sealing adhesives, simplifying the overall filter construction.

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

3Ease of operation

If conventional frame structures are used, then filter mounting is simplified, but air leakage at the edges occurs, reducing filter performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidairtightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support function and sealing function into a single integrated edge strip component. The edge strip comprises a rigid outer layer for structural support and an inner layer with adhesive properties for sealing, combining both functions in one element that is applied to the filter edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge strip applies itself to the filter edge through the adhesive properties of its inner layer, which bonds to both the filter material and the mounting surface. This self-adhering mechanism simplifies installation while ensuring airtight sealing without requiring additional sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The foamed thermoplastic edge strip effectively prevents air leakage, enhances filter stability, and prolongs the service life by providing a rigid and uniform sealing and support structure, improving the overall efficiency of the filter unit.

Implementation Method 1

the edge strip comprises a foamed thermoplastic material, which is molded to the edge side of the filter body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoamed thermoplastic material: Foam

Implementation Method 2

the foamed thermoplastic material is molded to both the edge side and a portion of the front side and back side of the filter body circumferential at the edge side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoplastic molding:

Data Source

PatentEP2525889B1Filter unit
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 CAMFIL AB
  • EP2525889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2525889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2525889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter unit for removing particles from an air or gas flow, comprising a filter body having a front side, a rear side, and an edge side between the front side and the rear side, and an edge strip arranged on the edge side, which edge strip extends at least the height of the edge side and at least the length of the edge side, wherein the edge strip comprises a foamed thermoplastic material, which is molded to the edge side of the filter body such that the edge strip thereby is formed and fastened directly to the edge side of the filter body, and such that the edge is embedded in the edge strip.