Hydrophobic Filter Element With Integrated Water Drain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for vehicle air conditioning devices face challenges in efficiently draining water without compromising the filter function, especially in configurations with minimal slant angles or top-to-bottom flow, leading to increased fluid flow past the filter and higher costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A slanted filter element with a targeted integrated water drain and a fold pack design, featuring a hydrophobic filter medium with self-cleaning properties and a side strip that allows for drainage without impairing the filter function, using materials like polyester or polycarbonate and connection methods like ultrasonic welding for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water separator or encapsulation is used to prevent water penetration, then components are protected from water damage, but space demand and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water drainage function directly into the filter element structure by integrating water-permeable areas into the fold pack design. This combines the filtration and water separation functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate water separators or encapsulation systems, thereby reducing space demand while maintaining protection from water damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: particle filtration through the filter medium and water drainage through integrated water-permeable areas in the fold pack. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated water separation components, reducing overall system space requirements while maintaining reliable protection.
2Ease of operation
If a filter bypass passage is added to enable liquid flow past the filter, then water drainage is improved, but fluid flow past the filter element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating water-permeable areas specifically in the fold pack regions where water accumulation occurs, while maintaining the integrity and filtration function of the main filter medium. This localized modification allows water to drain through specific areas without creating a general bypass that would reduce overall fluid flow through the filter element.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element structure is segmented into regions with different permeability characteristics: the filter medium maintains full filtration function while the fold pack includes water-permeable areas. This segmentation allows simultaneous water drainage and maintained fluid flow through the filter, avoiding the need for a separate bypass passage.
3Ease of operation
If the filter element is arranged horizontally with flow from below, then water drainage by gravity is achieved, but adaptability to different filter arrangements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fold pack design with integrated water-permeable areas provides a universal water drainage solution that functions effectively in various installation orientations. The structure leverages gravity-driven water flow along the folds to water-permeable areas regardless of the specific tilt angle or installation position, making the filter element adaptable to horizontal, slanted, or vertical configurations without requiring orientation-specific design modifications.
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 solution enables effective water drainage while maintaining the filter's functionality, reducing space and cost requirements, and preventing water penetration, even in non-traditional filter arrangements, by utilizing a hydrophobic filter medium and strategically designed side strips for efficient water management.
Implementation Method 1
The filter medium is preferably furnished to be water-repellant. The water-repellant properties of the filter medium can be achieved by proportions of hydrophobic fibers.
Implementation Method 2
Following the force of gravity, water runs in the filter element according to the invention along the folds to the bottom; a water permeable area is provided thereat.
Implementation Method 3
The filter element serves in particular for protecting downstream components from penetrating water by targeted separation and drainage of water at the filter element.
Implementation Method 4
The connection between side strip and filter medium can be realized by thermal methods, preferably by ultrasonic welding.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element includes a fold pack (5) with at least one side strip (4) that connects fold ends on at least one side of the fold pack (5). The side strip (4) is connected only about a portion of the height of the fold pack therewith in such a way that the fold valleys and/or fold ridges of the fold pack are not connected with the side strip.