Multi-element Filter with Plastic Liners and Brace

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard filters with a single media pack face challenges in increasing efficiency without degrading flow rate or increasing pressure drop, and often contaminate metal scrap, reducing its value.

Innovation Solution

A filter element design featuring two tubular constructions of filter media with non-metallic liners and a brace arrangement to support each other, allowing for balanced flow and filtration efficiency while maintaining a high flow rate and preventing metal contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single media pack filter is used, then the structure is simple, but the filtration efficiency cannot be increased without degrading flow rate or increasing pressure drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is divided into multiple separate media packs (first media pack and second media pack) instead of using a single media pack. Each media pack can be independently optimized for filtration efficiency while maintaining overall flow rate through parallel filtration paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional filtration path to a multi-dimensional arrangement by positioning media packs at different radial distances from the central axis. This creates multiple filtration zones (inner and outer media packs) that operate simultaneously, increasing efficiency without sacrificing flow rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a single media pack filter is used, then the structure is simple, but the dirt holding capacity decreases when efficiency is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoiddirt holding capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner media pack is positioned within the outer media pack, creating a nested arrangement where both media packs share the same housing space. This nesting allows the system to achieve high filtration efficiency through the inner pack while the outer pack provides additional dirt holding capacity and structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If metal is used for filter support, then structural strength is improved, but metal contamination occurs in the filtered fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmetal contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs non-metallic support structures (plastic or composite materials) instead of traditional metal supports. These non-metallic components are sufficient for the application and eliminate the risk of metal contamination in the filtered fluid, while being replaceable when worn or damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element uses composite construction combining non-metallic support structures with filtration media. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength while maintaining compatibility with the filtered fluid and eliminating metal contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 design enhances filtration efficiency and flow rate while preventing metal contamination, allowing for self-balancing of different media efficiencies and structural support, resulting in a more effective and environmentally friendly filtering system.

Implementation Method 1

a first, outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior; a second, inner tubular construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A brace arrangement is between the first construction of filter media and the second construction of filter media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A plastic inner liner is within the first open filter interior to support the first construction of filter media. A plastic outer liner is within the first open filter interior to support the second construction of filter media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7837754B2Multi-element filter arrangement and methods

Publication Date: 2010.11.23 DONALDSON CO INC

AI summary

A filter element includes a first, outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior; a second, inner tuber construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior; the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior and being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media; and the second open filter interior defines an unfiltered fluid channel. A plastic inner liner is within the first open filter interior to support the first construction of filter media. A plastic outer liner is within the first open filter interior to support the second construction of filter media. A filtered fluid channel is defined between the inner liner and the outer liner. A brace arrangement is between the first and second tubular constructions. The brace arrangement can include a spring, a plurality of gussets, or a solid spacer.