Integral Filter Metal Seal Reducing Axial Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal seals lack a filtering function, requiring separate filter components that are cumbersome to install, inefficient, and can lead to leakage, low filtering efficiency, and component damage, with a higher device profile and potential for improper installation.

Innovation Solution

A monolithic metal seal apparatus with an integral filter component, featuring an annular structure that compresses to form a seal and includes a filtering material with a flat structure, allowing for seamless integration and reduced axial profile, utilizing connecting components to couple the sealing and filtering elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional metal seal is coupled to a separate filter component, then filtering function is added, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing component and filtering component into a single integrated apparatus. The filtering component is positioned within the sealing component structure, with filtering material contained between first and second filtering component surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate filter components and their complex coupling mechanisms, while maintaining both sealing and filtering functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional metal seal is coupled to a separate filter component, then filtering function is added, but installation ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering functionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design allows the sealing and filtering functions to be installed as a single unit. The connecting component structure with positioning features enables straightforward installation without requiring skilled technicians to perform complex coupling operations between separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus includes positioning features such as protrusions and recesses that enable self-alignment during installation. The connecting component has a first positioning feature that engages with a second positioning feature, allowing the device to self-correct minor misalignments and ensure proper installation without requiring highly skilled technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate filter and seal components are used, then filtering capability is provided, but axial profile increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capabilityVSAvoidaxial profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering component is nested within the sealing component structure. The filtering material is contained between surfaces that are integrated into the overall apparatus geometry, allowing the filtering function to be accommodated within the existing sealing component footprint rather than adding axial length through stacked components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate filter and seal components are coupled, then filtering and sealing functions are provided, but leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering and sealing functionsVSAvoidleakage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated apparatus eliminates multiple coupling interfaces between separate components. The sealing component and filtering component form a unified structure with continuous sealing surfaces, removing potential leakage paths that would exist at the interfaces between separately coupled components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus effectively performs both filtering and sealing tasks with a lower profile, reducing leakage and installation complexities, enhancing efficiency and reliability by integrating the filtering and sealing functions into a single unit.

Implementation Method 1

The filter material is positioned/configured to filter fluid, which may be both liquid or gas, passing therein in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

When the sidewalls are placed in compression, they elastically compress to reduce the size of the recess and press against the opposed joint surfaces to form a seal interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10596503B1Metal seal with an integral filter

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 TECHNETICS GRP LLC

AI summary

The technology of the present application provides an apparatus for sealing and filtering. The apparatus includes a sealing component and a filtering component. The sealing component has an annular structure and a first connecting component. The annular structure includes a sidewall defining a recess. The first connecting component extends from the annular structure in a first direction. The filtering component has a filtering material and a second connecting component. The filtering material has a flat structure. The filter material is configured to filter fluid passing therein in a second direction. The sealing component and the filtering component are coupled by the first connecting component and the second connecting component.