Longitudinal Flow Filter Element with Nested Support Body
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for motor vehicles face challenges in maximizing filter area within limited installation spaces, particularly in cylindrical housings, due to geometric constraints and flow direction limitations.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a folded filter medium featuring outer and inner folded edges supported by a two-part support body, allowing for a larger filter surface area within a given volume, where the folded edges run parallel and the support body nestles against the inner folded edges to prevent collapse, enabling efficient fluid flow transversely through the element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional radial flow filter element with star-pleated filter material is used, then the filter element can be compactly arranged in a housing, but the filter area utilization is limited due to geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial flow through star-pleated material to longitudinal flow through parallel pleats arranged in a cylindrical bellows. This dimensional reorganization allows the filter medium to be arranged in extended parallel folds along the longitudinal axis, maximizing filter area within the cylindrical volume while enabling efficient longitudinal fluid flow from one end plate to the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical bellows structure with parallel pleats that conform to the curved surface of the cylindrical housing. This curved geometry allows optimal packing of filter medium surface area within the circular cross-section, eliminating the geometric inefficiencies of flat or star-shaped configurations while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter medium is folded with variable fold height to adapt to specific geometries, then integration into installation spaces is improved, but the structural stability and support against pressure collapse becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into two distinct sections: an inner support body section that directly contacts and supports the pleated filter medium along its longitudinal folds, and an outer support body section that provides additional structural reinforcement. This segmented approach allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while working together to maintain overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner support body section is nested within the outer support body section, with the inner section providing direct support to the filter medium and the outer section providing additional reinforcement. This nested configuration allows compact arrangement while maintaining structural integrity against pressure collapse throughout the entire filter element.
3Area of stationary object
If a single continuous bellows structure with parallel pleats is used, then filter area maximization is achieved, but the support against liquid pressure to prevent fold collapse requires enhanced structural design
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is segmented into inner and outer sections that work together to distribute and resist liquid pressure. The inner support body section provides direct support to the pleated filter medium, while the outer support body section provides additional reinforcement, together enabling the single continuous bellows structure to withstand high pressure without fold collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element combines the pleated filter medium material with the support body material to create a composite structure. The support body acts as a rigid framework that maintains the flexibility and filtration capability of the pleated medium while providing the necessary strength to resist liquid pressure and prevent collapse of the continuous bellows structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A filter element (1) for filtering liquids, in particular operating media for a motor vehicle, comprises a folded filter medium (2) having outer fold edges (2A) and inner fold edges (2B). The fold edges (2A, 2B) run along a longitudinal axis (5) of the filter element (1). There is provided a support body (3) comprising a first support body section (3A) and a second support body section (3B), wherein the first support body section (3A) faces the inner fold edges (2B), and wherein an envelope (6A) of the outer fold edges (2A) and the second support body section (3B) fit closely – at least in certain sections – with an outer lateral surface (6) of the filter element (1).