Non-Cylindrical Filter Element for Compact Side-Entry Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side entry air filters face challenges with space constraints, installation complexity, and unreliable sealing, particularly in applications with limited space, and irregular seal configurations are not effectively utilized in side entry designs.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a housing seal that undulates axially and is supported by a frame with a seal support flange, featuring a quadrilateral shape and undulating configuration, allowing for easy installation and reliable sealing through a combination of pivot and clamp mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional side entry filter designs are used, then filtration function is provided, but excessive space is required relative to filtration capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element employs a non-cylindrical, curved profile with a rounded nose section and tapered tail section instead of conventional straight cylindrical shapes. This curved geometry allows the filter to nestle into available spaces more efficiently and provides better sealing contact surfaces, achieving higher filtration capacity within reduced space envelopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional flat sealing surfaces to three-dimensional undulating seal configurations that extend axially along the filter element. This adds a dimensional aspect to sealing, allowing the seal to engage with corresponding undulating surfaces on the housing to create multiple sealing zones that prevent bypass flow more effectively.
2Reliability
If conventional seal configurations are used, then sealing function is provided, but installation reliability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element incorporates pre-formed undulating seal configurations and positioning contours that are molded into the filter structure during manufacturing. These pre-configured sealing surfaces and alignment features ensure that when the filter is installed, proper sealing contact and positioning are achieved automatically without requiring complex installation procedures or additional adjustment steps.
3Reliability
If irregular seal configurations are used, then sealing improvement is potential, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The undulating seal configuration is integrated directly into the filter element structure as a unified component rather than being a separate auxiliary element. The seal material is molded as part of the filter housing, creating a monolithic structure that combines structural support and sealing functions, thereby improving sealing performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A filter element (10) is provided that is preferably a side entry air filter comprising a filter media pack (58) having an inlet end (64), an outlet end (66) and an outer periphery (68) extending between the inlet end (64) and the outlet end (66), the inlet end and the outlet end being separated along a central axis (44), a frame (60) supporting the filter media pack (58), wherein the frame (60) is quadrilateral including a pair of first sidewalls (70a, 70b) on opposed sides, and a pair of second sidewalls (70c, 70d) on opposed sides and extending transversely between the first sidewalls, a housing seal (62) arranged about the filter media pack (58), wherein the housing seal (62) has an axial seal surface for forming an axial seal that undulates axially over at least a portion of the housing seal (62).