Modular Filter Element Gas-Tight Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular ceramic filter elements face challenges in manufacturing costs, sealing issues, and structural integrity, particularly when exceeding 3 meters in length, leading to reduced filtration performance and risk of contamination due to unscrewing and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A modular filter element design featuring a connection member that forms a gas-tight seal between elongate hollow bodies, reinforced with ceramic adhesive and a support structure comprising a cage member and elongate member, capable of withstanding high temperatures, and an end cap adjustment system for thermal expansion, allowing lengths greater than 3 meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screw connections are used to join filter element sub-sections, then modular assembly is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases and sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple sub-sections that can be assembled modularly. Each sub-section can be manufactured separately using standard forming processes without requiring complex machining operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection member acts as an intermediary component between sub-sections to provide the joining function. This connection member is designed to be formed using standard forming processes rather than requiring expensive machining operations, thus reducing manufacturing cost while still enabling modular assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screw connections are used to join filter element sub-sections, then modular assembly is enabled, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves as an intermediary that provides both mechanical connection and sealing functions. It is formed to extend into the lower wall of the first sub-section and the upper wall of the second sub-section, creating a gas-tight seal that prevents leakage while enabling modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member combines mechanical fastening features with sealing features in a single integrated component. This composite design ensures both structural integrity and gas-tight sealing at the joints between modular sub-sections.
3Productivity
If filter element length exceeds 3 metres, then filtration capacity increases, but handling and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into multiple manageable sub-sections that can be handled and installed separately. These sub-sections are then assembled on-site to achieve the required total length, making handling and installation feasible while maintaining high filtration capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element design allows for variable total length by assembling different numbers of standard-length sub-sections. This enables the system to achieve lengths exceeding 3 metres for increased filtration capacity while maintaining ease of handling through modular construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If filter element sub-sections are connected with screw connections, then modular assembly is enabled, but connection reliability deteriorates due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves as a robust intermediary that provides a permanent, vibration-resistant connection between sub-sections. Its design extending into both sub-sections creates a mechanically interlocked joint that maintains connection reliability under vibratory conditions while still enabling modular assembly.
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 provides a secure, cost-effective, and efficient filtration system with improved sealing and structural integrity, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining filtration performance across longer lengths, while accommodating thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
connection means comprises a connection member that extends into a lower wall of the first elongate hollow body and into the upper wall of the second elongate hollow body to provide a gas-tight seal between the first elongate hollow body and the second elongate hollow body
Implementation Method 2
an end cap adjustment system for thermal expansion, allowing lengths greater than 3 meters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular filter element comprising a first elongate hollow body, a second elongate hollow body and connection means for connecting the first elongate hollow body to the second elongate hollow body, wherein the connection means comprises a connection member that extends into a lower wall of the first elongate hollow body and into the upper wall of the second elongate hollow body to provide a gas-tight seal between the first elongate hollow body and the second elongate hollow body.