Wavy Wall Seal Filter Cartridge for Reliable Air Cleaner Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air and gas filtering systems face challenges in terms of assembly, serviceability, and maintaining effective filtration over time, particularly in applications like internal combustion engine intake air filtration and crankcase ventilation.

Innovation Solution

The development of filter assemblies with innovative filter cartridges that feature radially directed seal surfaces and wavy wall seal members, which provide a secure and releasable seal with the housing, enhancing serviceability and filtration efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a filter cartridge is designed with a simple seal surface, then manufacturing is easier, but sealing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal surface manufacturingVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal surface is designed with a wavy pattern featuring alternating convex and concave regions instead of a flat surface. This curved, undulating geometry increases the contact area between the seal and housing, improving sealing reliability while remaining manufacturable through standard molding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the seal surface are designed with varying local geometries - convex regions provide positive sealing contact while concave regions accommodate housing imperfections. This localized variation in surface quality optimizes both sealing performance and manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a filter cartridge is designed with a complex seal arrangement, then sealing reliability improves, but serviceability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The seal arrangement is segmented into discrete wavy patterns with repeating convex and concave features. This segmentation allows the seal to engage with corresponding features on the housing in a modular fashion, maintaining reliable sealing while enabling straightforward removal and replacement of the filter cartridge without complex disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a filter cartridge is designed with a wavy wall seal member, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidseal member geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member geometry uses controlled variations in wave amplitude, wavelength, and depth rather than completely complex three-dimensional structures. These parameter changes within reasonable ranges achieve effective sealing while keeping the manufacturing complexity manageable through standard injection molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250135384A1Filter Elements, Air Cleaner Assemblies, and Methods of Use and Assembly

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 DONALDSON CO INC

AI summary

Air cleaner assemblies, components therefor, and features thereof are described. Also described are methods of assembly and use. In depicted examples, the air cleaner assemblies and components optionally use advantageous housing seal features. Methods of assembly and use are described.