Variable Depth Pleated Air Filter Cartridge for Engine Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter cartridges for internal combustion engines face challenges in enhancing filtering efficiency while minimizing size, and ensuring proper operation of flowmeters downstream, which are critical for accurate air flow measurement.
Innovation Solution
A panel-like air filter cartridge with a variable depth pleated paper design and an integrated channelling member, where the pleat depth increases towards the channelling section, optimized for space efficiency and hermetic sealing, with a plastic channelling section and polyurethane gasket for improved flowmeter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the filter cartridge size is reduced to fit engine compartment spaces, then the available space is optimized, but the filtering efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge employs variable depth pleats that extend in the air flow direction, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to increase filtering surface area without increasing the overall footprint. The pleat depth varies from the inlet side to the outlet side, maximizing space utilization while maintaining adequate filtration capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the filter cartridge have different pleat depths tailored to local requirements. The inlet section has deeper pleats to capture more particles from the incoming air, while the outlet section has shallower pleats to facilitate smooth air flow to the engine. This localized optimization maintains filtering efficiency while reducing overall size.
2Reliability
If the pleat depth is increased to improve filtering efficiency, then more air can be filtered, but the overall size of the filter cartridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge features dynamic variable depth pleats rather than uniform static pleats. The pleat depth transitions gradually from the inlet to the outlet, creating an optimized flow path that maximizes filtering efficiency in the critical inlet region while minimizing the overall cartridge volume. This dynamic depth variation allows the filter to adapt to different flow conditions without increasing size.
3Reliability
If sealing gaskets are added to ensure hermetic sealing, then air leakage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is integrated directly into the filter cartridge housing structure, merging the sealing function with the structural framework. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and complex assembly procedures, achieving hermetic sealing while maintaining structural simplicity. The gasket is positioned to seal between the filter cartridge and the housing, preventing air leakage without adding excessive complexity.
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
This configuration enhances air filtering efficiency, reduces the overall size of the filter cartridge, and ensures reliable operation of flowmeters by optimizing the air flow path and sealing, thereby improving performance and compatibility with various engine compartment spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a filter section (13) made of pleated paper, of which pleats (15) are parallel and arranged in the direction shown by arrow F1
Implementation Method 2
an air channelling section (17) or channelling member... Channelling section (17) has the shape of a hopper (33) provided with an air inlet opening (31) and an air outlet mouth (35)
Implementation Method 3
The variable depth of the pleats in the paper allows fitting to the shape of the housing containing the cartridge by optimally exploiting the internal space thereof, thereby resulting in a reduction of the overall filter size
Implementation Method 4
perimeter (41) of channelling section (17), in their common plane, are surrounded by air-tight sealing gasket (21)... with a plastic channelling section and polyurethane gasket for improved flowmeter operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A panel-like air filter cartridge (11) with variable depth for internal combustion engines, the cartridge being equipped with a high-efficiency integrated channelling member and comprising a filter section (13), made of pleated paper and having a substantially quadrilateral shape, and an air channelling section (17), also with a substantially quadrilateral shape, arranged adjacent to the filter section (13) along one side (25) of the filter section (13) parallel to the direction of the pleats (15) in the paper, wherein, in at least one portion (27) of the filter section (13), the depth of the pleats (15) progressively increases towards the channelling section (17), and wherein the channelling section (17) has the shape of a hopper (33) provided with an air inlet opening (31), extending in a plane common to the filter section (13) and the channelling section (17), and an air outlet mouth (35) located at the bottom of the hopper (33), along a plane substantially parallel to the walls of the pleats (15) in the paper.