Oval Filter with Elliptical Seal and Lobed Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Filtration systems face challenges in maintaining efficient sealing and preventing filter element collapse, especially as the aspect ratio of the filter element increases, which can lead to stress on the filter media and increased risk of collapse.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a filter element with an elliptical sealing configuration and an internal support structure featuring axial lobed extensions and cross-ribs, which provides resistance against collapse and ensures proper sealing between the filter element and the housing, allowing for larger aspect ratios and varied filter designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the axial length of the filter element increases to achieve larger aspect ratios, then the filtration capacity is improved, but the filter element becomes prone to collapse under filtration conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial length of filter elementVSAvoidstructural stability of filter element

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple axial lobed extensions that extend along the axial length of the filter element. These segmented support members are distributed around the central opening and provide localized support at different axial positions, preventing collapse while accommodating the increased axial length required for larger aspect ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure utilizes the radial dimension by extending lobed extensions outward from the central opening toward the filter media. This radial extension creates a three-dimensional support framework that resists axial compression forces, allowing the filter element to maintain structural stability at increased axial lengths without compromising the filtration capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the filter element is designed with larger aspect ratios, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to increased stress on the filter media

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing interface is segmented into multiple contact points around the peripheral surface of the filter element. This segmentation distributes the sealing load across multiple locations, reducing stress concentration at any single point and maintaining sealing reliability even as the axial length and aspect ratio increase to improve filtration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element employs a composite structure combining the filter media with an integrated support structure featuring axial lobed extensions. This composite design provides both the filtration functionality and the mechanical support needed to maintain sealing reliability under the stress conditions created by larger aspect ratios, preventing collapse that would compromise the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional support structure is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the filter element collapses under certain filtration conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresistance to collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is merged with the central opening feature, forming an integrated component rather than a separate assembly. The axial lobed extensions are formed as part of the same structure that defines the central opening, combining two functional elements into one. This merging maintains manufacturing simplicity by reducing the number of parts while providing the enhanced collapse resistance needed for larger aspect ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11452952B2Oval filter with exterior elliptical radial seal and internal support structure

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 ATMUS FILTRATION IP INC

AI summary

Various embodiments relate to a filter element. The filter element includes a first endplate that defines a first endplate opening and a second endplate. Filter media is positioned between and extending axially between the first endplate and the second endplate. The filter media defines a central opening extending axially therein. A support structure is disposed within the central opening of the filter media and is attached to the first endplate and the second endplate. The support structure includes an axial lobed extension that extends from a first end of the support structure to a second end of the support structure. The support structure is configured to resist collapse of the filter element.