Spin-On Filter Seal With Dual-Surface Self-Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spin-on filters face challenges in providing reliable sealing and self-location on filter heads with varying sizes and shapes, leading to potential leaks and inefficiencies in contaminant removal from liquids in hydraulic and engine systems.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a dual-sealing surface design, featuring a flat or arcuate first sealing surface and an arcuate or frustoconical second sealing surface made of compliant materials, which self-locates and provides a liquid-tight interface with the filter head, accommodating size variations and enhancing sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing surface is used in existing spin-on filters, then the structure is simple, but sealing reliability is insufficient and leaks occur with filter heads of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into two distinct sealing surfaces: a first sealing surface (axial/flat) and a second sealing surface (radial/arcuate). This segmentation allows each surface to perform a specific sealing function, with the first surface providing primary sealing and the second surface providing secondary sealing and self-location, thereby improving overall sealing reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane (axial) sealing surface to a two-dimensional sealing approach by adding a radial sealing surface that extends in a different dimension. The second sealing surface is arranged radially relative to the filter assembly centerline, creating a multi-dimensional sealing interface that accommodates variations in filter head dimensions and improves sealing reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid seal is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the seal cannot accommodate size variations in filter heads
Solution Approach 1:
The seal material's physical parameters are changed by selecting a compliant material with appropriate elasticity. This allows the seal to deform elastically under compression, accommodating variations in filter head dimensions while maintaining effective sealing. The material parameter selection balances compliance for adaptability with sufficient rigidity to maintain sealing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is constructed from a compliant material that exhibits flexible deformation characteristics. This flexible seal can conform to slight variations in filter head geometry and dimensions, providing adaptability while maintaining sealing effectiveness through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact
3Reliability
If the seal only provides axial sealing, then the structure is simple, but self-location and inner circumferential sealing are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The second sealing surface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radial sealing to prevent leaks, establishes self-location of the filter assembly on the filter head, and creates an inner circumferential seal. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing surface is configured with an arcuate geometry that conforms to the curved outer surface of the filter head. This curved surface design enables the seal to engage properly with the filter head's geometry, providing self-location and circumferential sealing effectiveness
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 dual-sealing surface design significantly reduces leaks, ensures reliable engagement with filter heads of different sizes, and provides improved vibration dampening, enhancing the filter's ability to remove contaminants effectively from liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The seal can be made of a compliant and/or elastic material, such as rubber, to provide a seal or to deform to accommodate slightly different sizes of filter heads
Implementation Method 2
filters are used to remove contaminants, such as debris, from a flow of liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter assembly (100) that includes a filter body (110) defining a mouth (116), a filter element (120) disposed in the filter body (110), and a seal (200) disposed on the mouth (116). The seal (200) has a seal body (210) defining a center axis. The seal body (210) has an axial surface perpendicular to the center axis and an outer annular surface (216) revolved about the center axis. A portion of the outer annular surface (216) defines at least one of an arcuate and a substantially frustoconical shape.