Non-cylindrical Filter Elements with Triangular Outlet Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter elements with circular outlets pose challenges in reducing pressure drop and outlet velocity, and can offer infinite orientations for ductwork, which may not be preferred in certain installations.
Innovation Solution
Non-cylindrical filter elements with flat or planar filtration panels and a non-circular outlet aperture, such as triangular, are designed to increase outlet area, decrease pressure drop, and limit ductwork orientations, featuring an integrally molded outlet flange or collar for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a circular outlet aperture is used in conventional filter elements, then the design is simple and symmetrical, but the outlet area is limited which results in higher outlet velocity and increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the conventional circular outlet aperture with a non-circular shape (such as triangular, rectangular, or oval). This asymmetric geometry increases the outlet area for a given filter element size, thereby reducing outlet velocity and pressure drop. The non-circular shape allows optimization of the outlet area without increasing the overall filter element dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a circular outlet aperture is used, then infinite orientations for ductwork are possible, but this provides no control over installation orientation which may be undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular outlet aperture inherently provides orientation control by eliminating rotational symmetry. The asymmetric shape (e.g., triangular with specific vertex orientations or rectangular with defined sides) naturally constrains the filter element to specific installation orientations, ensuring proper alignment with ductwork without requiring additional marking or positioning features.
3Area of stationary object
If flat or planar filtration panels are used to create non-cylindrical filter elements, then manufacturing complexity increases, but the outlet area increases which decreases pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into multiple flat or planar panels (at least two panels) that are joined together to form the non-cylindrical structure. This segmentation allows each panel to be manufactured separately using standard flat-panel fabrication techniques, then assembled into the desired non-circular configuration, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the increased outlet area.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element that has at least two, planar, non-curved filtration panels. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has three panels, providing a generally triangular filter element. The outlet aperture, from the filter element, generally follows the configuration of the filter. That is, a filter element having three filtration panels will have a generally three-sided outlet aperture. The outlet aperture preferably is not a true polygon, but rather, includes rounded or curved sides and/or corners. The filter element includes an outlet sealing configuration that may provide both axial and radial sealing to outlet ductwork.