Irregular Velocity Stack Air Filter with Differential Axial Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters face challenges in efficiently utilizing spatial constraints and providing reduced restriction while maintaining increased filter element area, particularly in velocity stack air filter assemblies with limited spatial volume.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates axially extending velocity stacks with a filter element having a differential axial length sidewall that circumscribes the stacks, allowing for a more direct airflow path and increased filter surface area, reducing restriction and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional air filter design is used in a velocity stack assembly, then the filter element area is limited by the available spatial volume, but the airflow restriction increases due to the limited filter area
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element extends in multiple dimensions including radially outwardly and axially, with differential axial lengths at different radial positions. This multi-dimensional expansion allows the filter to occupy more space efficiently within the velocity stack assembly, increasing filter area without proportionally increasing the overall assembly volume, thereby maintaining airflow efficiency.
2Productivity
If the filter element area is increased to reduce airflow restriction, then the spatial volume required increases, but the available space in the velocity stack assembly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is nested within the velocity stack assembly with its sidewall circumscribing the velocity stacks. The filter element is positioned to utilize the annular space between the velocity stacks and the housing, effectively nesting the filter within the existing structural framework. This nesting approach allows the filter to occupy otherwise wasted space, increasing filter area without requiring additional external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element utilizes radial and axial dimensions simultaneously, with differential axial lengths that optimize space utilization. By extending radially outwardly and having varying axial lengths, the filter maximizes the three-dimensional space available within the velocity stack assembly, increasing filter area without proportionally increasing the overall assembly volume.
3Area of stationary object
If the filter element is positioned to maximize filter area, then the airflow path becomes more tortuous, but increased tortuous paths increase airflow restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element has differential axial lengths at different radial positions, creating local variations in the airflow path. The sidewall extends to different axial lengths at different radial positions, allowing the filter to maximize surface area in regions where space is available while maintaining more direct airflow paths in regions where tortuosity would excessively restrict flow. This local optimization balances filter area with airflow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly and filter element are provided utilizing a given volume of space effectively and efficiently with low restriction. An irregular shape filter is provided to fit the space, including a filter element circumscribing an inner plenum and having an axially extending sidewall. The sidewall has a differential axial height as it circumscribes the inner plenum.