Undulating Seal Gland for Filter Element Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In filtration applications, maintaining a positive seal between a filter element and its head is challenging, especially under high differential pressures and during the assembly process, due to misalignment issues which can lead to leaks and incorrect element installation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an annular end cap with a non-planar, undulating geometry that matches the socket's surface, providing a fluid-tight seal and preventing proper assembly when out of alignment, thus ensuring correct installation and robust sealing even under high pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a straight cut or radial seal gland design is used, then the sealing structure is simple, but misalignment can occur leading to leaks under high differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using an undulating, non-planar seal gland geometry instead of a straight cut or radial design. The undulating surface with multiple lobes creates a curved, wave-like sealing interface that maintains contact between the filter element and housing under high differential pressure, preventing misalignment and leaks while improving seal retention.
2Ease of operation
If an O-ring supported along a plane is used, then the sealing mechanism is simple, but it cannot prevent incorrect element installation or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating an undulating seal gland geometry with multiple lobes that does not match any rotational position of a misaligned filter element. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correctly aligned element can form a complete seal, as the undulating surfaces must precisely match to eliminate gaps. Misaligned elements cannot achieve proper sealing contact.
3Stress or pressure
If a sloped or angled seal gland design is used, then assembly may be facilitated, but seal retention under high differential pressure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The undulating, wave-like geometry of the seal gland creates multiple curved sealing surfaces that distribute differential pressure forces more effectively than a sloped design. The curved lobes maintain continuous contact with the filter element under pressure, preventing seal failure while the gradual undulating profile still allows for relatively easy assembly.
4Productivity
If a planar seal surface is used, then manufacturing is simple, but rapid in-phase engagement cannot be achieved during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The undulating geometry with its wave-like profile creates tapered, curved surfaces that guide the filter element into proper alignment during insertion. As the element is inserted, the curved lobes naturally steer it into the correct rotational position, enabling rapid in-phase engagement without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cartridge assembly having first and second cartridges sealed by an interface member having a first sealing member along a radially outer surface thereof having a non-planar geometry around the outer surface and a second sealing member along the radially outer surface having a non-planar geometry around the outer surface. The sealing members may each have a repeating, undulating, non-planar geometry around the outer surface. The cartridges have ends with matching geometries to allow the cartridges to engage in surface-to-surface relation around their entire extents to create with the interface member an air tight seal.