Gas Filter Assembly With Open End Caps for Easier Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas filter systems with two filter elements face challenges in manufacturing and mounting, particularly due to the use of closed end caps which require complex tooling and hinder visual inspection and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

The use of open end caps for both filter elements, along with sealing sections made from polyurethane foam, facilitates easier assembly and visual inspection, while maintaining effective sealing through concentric arrangement and support structures like central tubes and skirts within a housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If closed end caps are used for both filter elements, then sealing is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and tooling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The end caps are segmented into open and closed types, with the outer filter element using open end caps and the inner filter element using closed end caps. This segmentation allows each type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality levels are applied to different locations: open end caps are used where sealing is not critical (outer filter element), and closed end caps are used where sealing is required (inner filter element). This local differentiation reduces manufacturing complexity overall while maintaining reliability where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If closed end caps are used for both filter elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but visual inspection and assembly ease are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end caps are divided into open and closed types based on their functional requirements. Open end caps facilitate visual inspection and easier assembly/disassembly of the outer filter element, while closed end caps provide structural integrity for the inner filter element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using closed end caps for both filter elements as would traditionally be done for structural reasons, the patent inverts the approach by using open end caps for the outer filter element where structural integrity can be maintained through other means (housing support, central tube), thereby improving assembly ease and inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If open end caps are used for both filter elements, then manufacturing is simplified and inspection is easier, but sealing performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing is implemented locally at the inner filter element's closed end cap and through sealing sections on the housing, rather than requiring all end caps to be closed. This allows open end caps to be used where sealing is not critical, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining sealing performance where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of substance

If open end caps are used for both filter elements, then material usage is reduced and assembly is easier, but structural support may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial usageVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural support function is segmented between the housing (with its central tube and support structures), the inner filter element's closed end cap, and the outer filter element's open end caps. This segmentation allows material to be used efficiently - open end caps reduce material usage while the housing and central tube provide the necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces material usage, and enhances assembly efficiency, allowing for easier maintenance and replacement of filter elements, while maintaining effective filtration performance.

Implementation Method 1

sealing sections made from polyurethane foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

first filter medium arranged between a first end cap and a second end cap, and an inner filter element having a second filter medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250214016A1Gas filter system

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A gas filter system comprising an outer filter element having a first filter medium arranged between a first end cap and a second end cap, and an inner filter element having a second filter medium arranged between a third end cap and a fourth end cap, the first filter medium being arrangeable to surround the inner filter medium, wherein the first, second, third and fourth end caps are open.