Pleated Filter Cartridge With Split Flow Guide for Easy Replacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter cartridges require frequent replacement of both the filter material and the flow guiding device, leading to increased costs and complications due to the need for a new flow guiding device with each replacement, and the design often impedes easy replacement due to protruding parts.

Innovation Solution

A split flow guiding device design where the base body is integrated with the filter cartridge and the end piece is retained in the housing, allowing the filter cartridge to be replaced without replacing the entire flow guiding device, and the filter material features pleats separated by beads to enhance filter performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the flow guiding device is integrated with the filter cartridge, then the filter cartridge can be easily replaced, but the flow guiding device must be replaced with each filter cartridge, increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guiding device is divided into two separate parts: a base body that remains in the housing and an end piece that is attached to the filter cartridge. This segmentation allows the filter cartridge to be replaced independently without replacing the entire flow guiding device, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end piece of the flow guiding device is extracted from the housing and attached to the filter cartridge. This allows the end piece to move with the filter cartridge during replacement, while the base body remains stationary in the housing, resolving the contradiction between ease of replacement and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the flow guiding device protrudes from the filter cartridge, then it can guide compressed air flow effectively, but it impedes replacement due to compact housing design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow guiding performanceVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guiding device is segmented into a base body that fits within the housing aperture and an end piece that extends from the filter cartridge. This segmentation allows the majority of the flow guiding structure to remain compact for easy replacement, while the end piece provides the necessary flow guidance functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guiding function is distributed across different spatial dimensions: the base body provides structural support and initial flow guidance within the housing, while the end piece extends the flow guidance capability outward. This dimensional distribution maintains effectiveness without requiring excessive protrusion that would impede replacement.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If beads fill the pleat depth completely, then filter material is stabilized, but filter performance is reduced due to blocked flow paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter material stabilityVSAvoidfilter performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The beads are positioned to provide localized support at specific points along the pleats rather than completely filling the pleat depth. This local support stabilizes the filter material structure while leaving sufficient space for gas flow through the pleats, thus maintaining filter performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely filling the pleat depth with beads, the invention uses partial filling where beads are positioned to provide necessary structural support while leaving gaps for flow. This partial action achieves the stabilizing effect without the excessive blocking that would reduce filter performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This design reduces manufacturing costs, facilitates easy replacement, and improves filter performance by ensuring thorough cleaning with minimal energy loss, extending the service life of the cartridge.

Implementation Method 1

the filter material is designed for being cleaned when a compressed air flow is applied against a flow direction of the dirty gas flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a base body of a flow guiding device having a surface designed for guiding the compressed air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow guidance: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4091698B1Filter cartridge
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 CAMFIL APC GMBH
  • EP4091698B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4091698B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP4091698B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter cartridge (1) for removing impurities from a dirty gas flow to be filtered, comprising a cylindrical filter element (2) made from filter material, a filter insert (3) made from filter material inserted in the filter element (2), an inner space (4) formed between the filter element (2) and the filter insert (3), with the filter material being designed for being cleaned when a compressed air flow is applied against a flow direction of the dirty gas flow, wherein the filter material of the filter element (2) and/or the filter insert (3) have pleats (25) formed therein, the filter material of the filter element (2) and/or the filter insert (3) have beads (28) separating said pleats (25) from each other.