Safety Filter Element Sealing Component Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies face challenges in preventing unfiltered fluid from leaving the system during main filter element exchange, leading to potential damage downstream and unnecessary disposal of functional sealing components.
Innovation Solution
A safety filter element with a sealing component that seals against the main filter element and housing, allowing the sealing component to remain with the safety filter element during main filter element exchanges, thus extending its lifespan and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing component is attached to the main filter element, then the main filter element can be easily replaced, but the sealing component must be discarded even when still functional
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is extracted from the main filter element and transferred to the safety filter element. This allows the sealing component to be separated from the replaceable main filter element and retained on the permanent safety filter element, eliminating waste while maintaining ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the sealing component with the main filter element, the invention recovers it by attaching it to the safety filter element. The sealing component is reused across multiple main filter element replacement cycles, reducing waste while maintaining operational ease.
2Loss of substance
If the sealing component is attached to the safety filter element, then the sealing component can be reused across multiple main filter element replacements, but the safety filter element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety filter element is given multiple functions: it serves as both a safety filter and as the mounting structure for the sealing component. This multi-functionality allows the sealing component to be reused without requiring additional separate structures, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing component mounting function is merged with the safety filter element structure. By combining these functions into a single component, the invention avoids adding separate complex mounting mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reuse.
3Reliability
If a safety filter element is present, then debris is caught when the main filter element is removed, but the risk of unfiltered fluid leaving the housing increases without proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is pre-positioned on the safety filter element before main filter element removal. This preliminary sealing action ensures that unfiltered fluid cannot leak into the housing when the main filter element is removed, while the safety filter element remains in place to catch debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing component acts as an intermediary between the safety filter element and the housing, creating a seal that prevents unfiltered fluid leakage. This intermediary sealing function allows the safety filter element to provide debris protection without increasing the risk of unfiltered fluid entering the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety filter element suitable for use in a filter assembly includes a safety filter media at least partially surrounding a safety filter media inner space and at least one safety filter element endcap having an outlet opening that leads to the safety filter media inner space. The safety filter element endcap comprises a safety filter element circumferential support structure, whereby a sealing component is arranged on the safety filter element circumferential support structure and extends along the safety filter element circumferential support structure, and a housing sealing component.