Oval Filter Holder Centrifugal Pre-Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air filters for motor vehicles, particularly in agricultural and construction vehicles, face clogging and reduced service life due to heavy dust loads, leading to decreased filtration efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A filter holder with an oval-shaped cross section that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from the fluid flow, eliminating the need for additional pre-separators and optimizing installation in narrow spaces, while the filter element features an incident-flow guard to protect the filter medium from direct particle impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional pre-separators are arranged upstream from the filter element, then particle separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pre-separation function and main filtration function into a single integrated filter holder structure. The oval-shaped receiving section performs centrifugal pre-separation of particles, while the filter element simultaneously filters the fluid. This merging eliminates the need for separate upstream pre-separators, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining effective particle separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter holder's receiving section serves multiple functions: it acts as both the main housing structure and a centrifugal pre-separator. The oval cross-section geometry enables particle separation while the same structure houses the filter element, making the component multi-functional and eliminating the need for additional dedicated pre-separation devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the filter holder has a circular cross section, then structural simplicity is maintained, but pre-separation efficiency and adaptability to narrow installation spaces are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-separation efficiencyVSAvoidcross-sectional geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an oval cross-section for the filter holder's receiving section, deviating from the conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry enhances centrifugal pre-separation efficiency by creating more effective flow patterns and particle separation zones. The oval shape also provides better adaptability to narrow or rectangular installation spaces commonly found in vehicles, while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If the filter medium is directly exposed to particle-laden fluid flow, then filtration function is performed, but filter service life is reduced due to clogging and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidfilter service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary particle separation through centrifugal force in the oval-shaped receiving section before the fluid reaches the filter element. This pre-separation action removes a significant portion of particles upstream, reducing the particle load that directly contacts the filter medium. Consequently, the filter element experiences less clogging and damage, extending its service life while maintaining continuous filtration function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances filtration efficiency, extends filter service life, and reduces costs by integrating pre-separation within the filter holder, allowing for effective particle separation and protection of the filter medium.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid to be filtered flows tangentially and/or helically, particularly in the manner of an oval-shaped helix, around the filter element in order to separate particles contained in the fluid to be filtered on a wall of the receiving section with the aid of centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11890567B2Filter holder, filter element and filter arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • US11890567B2 patent drawing
  • US11890567B2 patent drawing
  • US11890567B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A filter holder for a filter element that has an oval-shaped cross section, with a receiving section receiving the filter element, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is arranged such that an inflow direction of the fluid to be filtered is oriented in the direction of a lateral surface of the filter element in order to separate particles contained in the fluid onto a wall of the receiving section with the aid of centrifugal force.