Secure Filter Element with Segmented Seals for Fast Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements face challenges in ensuring secure and fast installation within a housing, particularly when maintenance operations require the replacement of filter elements with different lifetimes, and there is a need for improved serviceability and correct orientation during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A filter element design featuring a seal with axially separated segments and a coupling arrangement that supports the seal, allowing for a gradual compression during installation, combined with a supporting structure that ensures uniform pressure distribution and reproducible sealing, facilitating easy and secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional seal design is used, then the filter element can be installed in the housing, but the installation process is time-consuming and may result in incorrect orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple axially separated segments rather than being a continuous ring. This segmentation allows the seal to be compressed in stages during installation, making the process faster and more reliable while preventing incorrect orientation through asymmetric segment arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement is designed to engage with the housing before the seal is fully compressed. This preliminary engagement guides the filter element into correct orientation and position, ensuring the seal segments are properly aligned before compression occurs
2Reliability
If a conventional seal design is used, then the filter element can be installed, but the sealing may be unreliable and allow fluid bypassing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple axially separated segments rather than being a continuous ring. This segmentation allows each segment to be compressed independently and uniformly, improving sealing reliability by ensuring consistent contact with the housing surface while preventing fluid bypassing
Solution Approach 2:
Each seal segment has specific geometric features and material properties optimized for its local function. The axially separated segments can be made of different materials or have different cross-sectional areas to optimize sealing at different locations along the filter element
3Ease of manufacture
If the seal and coupling arrangement share the same supporting structure, then the assembly is simplified, but the seal compression may be non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The seal segments are arranged axially (along the longitudinal axis) rather than radially, creating separation in the axial dimension. This axial separation allows the coupling arrangement to engage in the radial dimension while the seal segments compress independently in the axial dimension, ensuring uniform compression despite shared supporting structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a filter element comprising a filter medium pack elongating along a longitudinal axis, a seal and a supporting structure supporting the seal. The seal comprises at least a first segment and a second segment adjoining the first segment, and wherein at least a portion of the second segment is axially separated from the first segment. The filter medium pack further comprises a coupling arrangement for engaging with a complementary coupling arrangement of the housing of the filter system, and wherein the supporting structure comprises a first circumferential radial surface and a second circumferential radial surface circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and wherein the coupling arrangement of the filter element is disposed on said first circumferential radial surface and wherein the seal is disposed on the second circumferential radial surface.