Rectangular Filter Cartridge Sealing via Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter assemblies require complex configurations and costly tooling for fluted filter media, which complicates the manufacturing process and maintenance, especially when replacing filter cartridges in air filtration systems.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly design featuring a simple rectangular stack of filter media with a recessed inlet flow face and a frame member that includes legs and ribs, allowing for a straightforward installation and sealing mechanism, eliminating the need for complex fluted media configurations and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex fluted media packs are used, then sealing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and tooling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the filter media itself and transferred to a separate sealing ring component. The filter media can now be a simple rectangular stack without complex fluted configurations, while the sealing ring provides the necessary sealing capability against the housing projection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cartridge is segmented into distinct functional components: a simple rectangular filter media stack and a separate sealing ring. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex fluted media packs are used, then sealing capability is improved, but maintenance and replacement difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance and replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If simple rectangular stack is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsealing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing ring acts as an intermediary component between the simple rectangular filter media stack and the housing projection. This sealing ring mediates the sealing function, allowing the filter media to remain simple while achieving reliable sealing through the intermediate sealing element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If complex fluted media packs are used, then sealing capability is improved, but tooling and fixture costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidtooling and fixture costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring can be manufactured as a simple, inexpensive component using standard molding or extrusion processes. This disposable or replaceable sealing element is more economical to produce than complex fluted media packs, and can be replaced independently if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2971743B1Rectangular stacked fluted filter cartridge

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 BALDWIN FILTERS INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A fluted filter cartridge is provided. The fluted filter cartridge includes filter media including an inlet flow face and an outlet flow face. The inlet flow face and the outlet flow face are generally parallel. The filter cartridge includes a frame defining a central opening. The filter media is coupled to the frame such that fluid to be filtered may be directed through the central opening to the inlet flow face of the filter media. The frame includes a top surface. The inlet flow face of the filter media is located below the top surface of the frame.