Perpendicular flow type filter element as well as an air conditioning system with the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter elements in air conditioning systems have a small effective filter surface, leading to incomplete filtration of fluid flows, which can result in microparticles accumulating and causing long-term functional issues in heat exchangers.

Innovation Solution

A perpendicular flow type filter element with a large filter surface area is designed, featuring a hollow cylinder body and a base body that forms a structural unit with integral fixing and sealing means, allowing for efficient filtration and prevention of premature clogging, while being compact and easy to install.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional filter elements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effective filter surface area is small leading to incomplete filtration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter surface areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element transitions from conventional planar filtration to three-dimensional perpendicular flow filtration. The hollow cylinder body creates a volumetric flow path where fluid enters through the side wall and flows perpendicular to the filter surface, maximizing the utilization of filter surface area while maintaining a compact cylindrical form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter body is nested within the hollow cylinder body, with the filter surface positioned inside the cylindrical structure. This nested arrangement allows the filter element to achieve a large effective filter surface area while maintaining a compact overall dimensions, effectively packing more filtration surface into a smaller volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If filter surface area is increased, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter surface areaVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing perpendicular flow through the hollow cylinder body, the filter element utilizes the volumetric space more efficiently. The flow path extends through the height of the cylinder rather than requiring a larger planar area, allowing increased filter surface area without proportionally increasing the overall package volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter body employs a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides sufficient mechanical strength while minimizing material usage. The hollow cylinder body acts as a flexible yet rigid container that maintains structural integrity while allowing the filter surface to be positioned optimally for maximum filtration efficiency within compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If fixing means and sealing means assembly are formed on hollow cylinder body and filter body, then the installation reliability is improved, but the installation space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means and sealing means assembly are merged into a single integrated component formed on the base body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fixing and sealing components, reducing the overall number of parts and the space required for installation while maintaining reliable fixation and sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, forms the fixing means for mounting the filter element, and creates the sealing means assembly for fluid-tight sealing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated components, optimizing the use of available installation space.

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

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 filter element effectively separates microparticles from fluid flows, preventing damage to heat exchanger components and ensuring longer service life with reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a filter body (7), through which the fluid flow (3) can flow, for filtering the fluid flow (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4417901A1Perpendicular flow type filter element as well as an air conditioning system with the same
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP4417901A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4417901A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4417901A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a perpendicular flow type filter element (1) for a component (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) used in an air conditioning system (48) or an air conditioning system (48) including or realizing a heat pump (49) of a vehicle (50), having a hollow cylinder body (5), through which a fluid flow (3) of fluid can flow, and which extends along a central longitudinal axis (4), a base body (6), and a filter body (7), through which the fluid flow (3) can flow. Said hollow cylinder body (5) limits a flow channel (8) for fluid, which has a flow region (9'), through which the fluid flow (3) can flow in parallel with respect to the central longitudinal axis (4), and a further flow region (9"), through which the fluid flow (3) can flow perpendicularly with respect to the central longitudinal axis (4). It is essential that the base body (6) has a fixing means (10) and a sealing means assembly (11), by means of which the perpendicular flow type filter element (1) can be fixed in a releasable and fluidtight manner to the heat exchanger (2) and that the base body (6) is formed integrally with the hollow cylinder body (5) at least in some sections. The air conditioning system (48) is preferably used in a vehicle (50) with at least partial electric drive. The air conditioning system (48) including or realizing a heat pump system is preferably used in a vehicle with at least partial electric drive.