CN120513127A - Filtration system and filter element with variable geometry sealing member - Google Patents

Abstract

A filtration system includes a housing, a cover, and a filter element having a variable geometry seal member. The housing includes a sealing surface disposed at the first end of the housing. A variable geometry sealing member is disposed at the sealing surface. The shape of the variable geometry sealing member is defined by a first curve having a first radius and a second curve having a second radius. The first curve and the second curve are non-concentric such that the thickness of the variable geometry sealing member is non-uniform. The cover is coupled to the housing such that a surface of the cover compresses the variable geometry sealing member against the sealing surface.

Description

Filtration system and filter element with variable geometry sealing member

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present PCT application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/449,423, filed on 3/2 of 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to filtration systems for filtering fluids, such as air.

Background

The filtration system may be used to remove contaminants from air. The filter system may include a filter element and a cover disposed within the housing. In operation, the filtration system directs air through a filter element that includes a filter medium or filter media pack that captures contaminants entrained in the air. The performance of the filtration system depends on, among other factors, the structure of the filter element, including the sealing member that prevents air from bypassing the filter element or filter media.

Summary of The Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a filtration system. The filter system includes a housing, a cover, and a filter element. The housing includes a sealing surface disposed at the first end of the housing. The filter element includes a variable geometry sealing member disposed at the sealing surface. The shape of the variable geometry sealing member is defined by a first curve having a first radius and a second curve having a second radius. The first curve and the second curve are non-concentric such that the thickness of the variable geometry sealing member is non-uniform. The cover is coupled to the housing such that a surface of the cover compresses the variable geometry sealing member against the sealing surface.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filtration system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter element that may be used in the filter system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a filter media pack that may be used in the filter system of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a step of assembling a portion of the filter element of fig. 3 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a step of assembling a portion of the filter element of fig. 3 according to another example embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a portion of the filter element of fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system shown at a first depth.

Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a second depth.

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a third depth.

Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a fourth depth.

Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a fifth depth.

Fig. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a sixth depth.

Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the filtration system of fig. 1 shown at a seventh depth.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a filter element that may be used in the filter system of fig. 1 according to another example embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a step of assembling a portion of the filter element of fig. 15 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a frame that may be used with the filter element of fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a seal member assembly that may be used with the filter element of fig. 15.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the seal member assembly of fig. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a filter media pack that may be used with the filter element of FIG. 15, shown with the seal member assembly of FIG. 19.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the filter media pack and seal member assembly of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the filter media pack of fig. 21, shown with the sealing member assembly of fig. 19.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element of FIG. 15, shown with an inlet frame.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to filtration systems. More specifically, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to filtration systems for filtering fluids (such as air). The filtration system includes a filter housing, a filter media pack having a variable geometry seal member, and a cover.

Various embodiments described herein provide an improved air filtration system that includes a filter element having a variable geometry sealing member that is unevenly compressed along the length of the filter element. In particular, the variable geometry sealing member has an increased percentage of compression at a central portion of the filtration system as compared to an end portion of the filtration system. Non-uniform compression of the variable geometry sealing member mitigates leakage/filter media bypass due to deflection of the filter housing. In some embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member has less seal thickness variation than alternative seal designs, thereby improving the moldability of the variable geometry sealing member. In some embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member is configured to self-align within the filter housing, thereby improving ease of installation of the variable geometry sealing member.

Fig. 1 and 2 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a filtration system 100 according to an example embodiment. The filtration system includes a housing 102, a filter element 104, and a cover 106. The cover 106 is coupled to the housing 102. As shown in fig. 1, the filtration system 100 further includes a hinge member 110. The housing 102 and the cover 106 are coupled to each other by a hinge member 110. The cover 106 is movable relative to the housing 102 via a hinge member 110. The hinge member 110 is disposed at a first side of the housing 102. The housing 102 and the cover 106 cooperate to define an interior volume 120. The housing 102 is configured to receive the filter element 104 within the interior volume 120. The housing 102 includes an outlet port 108 disposed on the downstream side of the filter element 104.

In the exemplary embodiment, filter system 100 defines a first axis 122. One or more of the components of the filtration system 100 may be centered on the first axis 122. The filter system 100 may be centered on the first axis 122. For example, the first axis 122 extends through a center point of the filter system 100.

As used herein, the term "axis" describes a theoretical line extending through at least a portion of an object, such as the centroid (e.g., centroid, geometric center, etc.) of the object. In some arrangements, the object is centered on the axis. The object need not be cylindrical (e.g., the non-cylindrical shape may be centered on the axis, etc.). Furthermore, the object need not be on-axis (e.g., the centroid of the hollow object may be on-axis, but any portion of the object need not be on-axis).

The relative positioning of the components of the filtration system 100 described herein may be described with respect to the first axis 122. For example, the axial direction is along or substantially parallel to the first axis 122. In another example, the cover 106 is disposed at a first axial end of the housing 102. The transverse direction may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. For example, the lateral direction is along or substantially parallel to the second axis 124 (e.g., lateral axis). The second axis 124 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 122. The longitudinal direction may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and the transverse direction. For example, the lateral direction is along or substantially parallel to the third axis 126 (e.g., longitudinal axis). The third axis 126 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 122 and the second axis 126. The outward direction may be substantially away from the first axis 122 (e.g., in a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction, or both). The inward direction may be substantially toward the axis 122 (e.g., in a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction, or both). For example, the filter element 104 is disposed inwardly relative to the housing 102, and the housing 102 is disposed outwardly relative to the filter element 104.

The housing 102 includes a housing body 130. The housing body 130 at least partially defines the interior volume 120. The interior volume 120 is sized to receive the filter element 104. The housing body 130 includes a housing wall 132. The housing wall 132 extends substantially in the axial direction. The housing body 130 includes a housing seal portion 134. The housing seal section 134 has a lower wall section 136 and an upper wall section 138. The lower wall portion 136 extends outwardly from the housing wall 132 away from the filter element 104. The upper wall portion 138 extends axially away from the lower wall portion 136 toward the cover 106. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing wall 132 extends axially above the lower wall portion 136. The housing seal portion 134 may include a portion of the housing wall 132 extending axially above the lower wall portion 136.

The housing 102 includes a housing engagement member 139. The housing engagement member 139 may be part of the housing body 130. The housing engagement member 139 is disposed on a second side of the housing 102 opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the first and second sides of the housing 102 are disposed on lateral sides of the housing 102 (e.g., sides spaced apart from the first axis 122 in a lateral direction). In other embodiments, the first and second sides of the housing 102 are disposed on longitudinal sides of the housing 102 (e.g., sides spaced apart from the first axis 122 in the longitudinal direction). The housing engagement member 139 is configured to engage at least a portion of the cover 106.

The housing 102 includes a sealing surface 140 disposed about a top end of the housing. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the sealing surface 140 is a channel. In other embodiments, the sealing surface may be a flange or other surface of the housing. The sealing surface 140 is defined by the housing sealing portion 134. More specifically, at least the lower wall portion 136 and the upper wall portion 138 cooperate to define a sealing surface 140. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 140 is further defined by a portion of the housing wall 132 extending axially above the lower wall portion 136.

The sealing surface 140 is configured to engage a portion of the filter element 104. More specifically, the filter element 104 includes a variable geometry sealing member 200 that engages the sealing surface 140.

The cap 106 includes an end wall 150, the end wall 150 defining an inlet opening 152 disposed on an upstream side of the filter element 104. The cover 106 may include one or more ribs 154 extending across the inlet opening 106. Rib 154 may be coupled to or contiguous with end wall 150. The ribs 154 may include a first set of ribs extending across the inlet opening 152 in a first direction (e.g., a lateral direction). The ribs 154 may include a second set of ribs extending across the inlet opening 152 in a second direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) different from the first direction.

In some embodiments, the cap 106 includes a skirt 156. The skirt 156 extends away from the end wall 150 toward the housing 102. For example, the skirt 156 extends in an axial direction toward the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the cover 106 is coupled to the housing 102 by a housing engagement member 139. The housing engagement member 139 is configured to engage the cover engagement member 158. As shown in fig. 1, the cover 106 is coupled to the housing 102 in a snap-fit arrangement. For example, the housing 102 includes a housing snap-fit engagement member 139 disposed on a second side of the housing 102 opposite the first side. The cap 106 includes a cap snap-fit engagement member 158 disposed at the housing snap-fit engagement member 139. The lid snap-fit engagement member 158 is configured to engage the housing snap-fit engagement member 139, thereby coupling the lid 106 to the housing 102. In the exemplary embodiment, housing engagement member 139 defines an opening that is sized to receive at least a portion of cover engagement member 158. In other embodiments, the cover 106 is coupled to the housing 102 by a different engagement member (such as a spring clip, latch, fastener, etc.).

The cover 106 includes a sealing portion 160. The sealing portion 160 provides a force on the variable geometry sealing member 200 to press the variable geometry sealing member 200 into the sealing surface 140 of the housing 102. In this manner, the variable geometry sealing member 200 forms a seal between the cover 106 and the housing 102 at the sealing surface 140.

In some embodiments, and as shown in fig. 2, the sealing portion 160 is or includes an axial protrusion 162. The projection 162 extends away from the end wall 150 and toward the housing 102. When the cap 106 is coupled to the housing 102, the protrusion 162 is positioned to contact the variable geometry sealing member 200. In some embodiments, the sealing portion is or includes one or more protrusions 162. In some embodiments, protrusions 162 abut each other. In other embodiments, the protrusions 162 do not abut each other. The sealing portion 160 is configured to provide an axial force (e.g., a force in an axial direction) to the variable geometry sealing member 200 such that the variable geometry sealing member 200 forms an axial seal (e.g., a seal in the axial direction) between the cap 106 and the housing 102.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a filter element 104 that may be used in the filter system 100 of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the filter element 104 is a primary filter element of the filter system 100. That is, the filter system 100 may include a filter element 104 and one or more additional filter elements.

The filter element 104 includes a filter media pack 112 and a variable geometry sealing member 200. The filter media pack 112 is configured to filter a fluid, such as air. The filter media pack 104 is described in more detail herein with respect to fig. 4.

The variable geometry sealing member 200 has a variation in sealing thickness along its perimeter. In some embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member 200 is coupled to the filter media pack 104. The shape of the variable geometry sealing member 200 is described in more detail herein with respect to fig. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a filter media pack 112 that may be used in the filter element 104 of FIG. 3 is shown. As shown in fig. 4, the filter media pack 112 has a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the filter media pack 112 has a circular, oblong, or other irregularly shaped cross-section.

In some embodiments, the filter media pack 112 is a layered filter media pack having one or more filter media layers bonded together to form the filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, the filter media pack 112 is pleated filter media having one or more pleated filter media layers. In some embodiments, when the filter media pack 112 is pleated filter media, the pleated ends of the filter media pack 112 are sealed by an adhesive and/or a potting, molding or encapsulation process.

In some embodiments, the filter media pack 112 includes embossed media spacers (embossed MEDIA SPACERS) that separate the layers of the filter media pack 112 from each other. In other embodiments, the layers of filter media pack 112 are separated by an adhesive.

In some embodiments, when the filter media pack 112 is circular or oblong in shape, the filter media pack 112 is corrugated media, a shaped media sheet bonded to a flat media sheet, or a single pleat wound in series.

In some embodiments, the filter element 104 includes a protective outer wrapper 114 extending around the side(s) of the filter media pack 112. For example, when the media pack 112 has a rectangular cross-section, the outer wrapper 114 extends around four sides of the filter media pack 112. In other embodiments, the overwrap 114 is disposed only on two sides of the filter media pack 112. In these embodiments, when a pleated media pack is used, the outer wrap 114 is coupled to the pleated end of the filter media pack 112 during the sealing process. In still other embodiments, when the filter media pack 112 is circular or oblong in shape, the outer wrapper 114 is formed around the perimeter of the filter media pack 112. In any of the above embodiments, the outer wrap 114 may be formed from one or more side panels that may be folded or wrapped around the filter media pack 112.

Variable geometry sealing member 200 is coupled to filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, variable geometry sealing member 200 is molded onto filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, when the filter element 104 includes the outer wrapper 114, the variable geometry sealing member 200 is molded onto the outer wrapper 114. In other embodiments, variable geometry sealing member 200 stretches around the perimeter of filter media pack 112 such that filter media pack 112 is compressed by variable geometry sealing member 200. In still other embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member 200 is coupled to a frame, and the frame is coupled to the filter media pack 112. The frame 250 is described herein with respect to fig. 15-24.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, diagrams of steps of assembling a portion of the filter system 100 of fig. 1 are shown, according to various example embodiments. More specifically, a sealing process for sealing a portion of the filter media pack 112 shown in fig. 3 is shown in fig. 5 and 6.

Referring first to fig. 5, a method 500 of a sequestration process is shown. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, a portion of the overwrap 114 (e.g., a side panel) is used in the sequestration process. At process 502, at least one side panel or outer wrapper 114 having a first section 115, a second section 116, and a third section 117 is provided. At process 504, the first section 114 and the third section 117 of the outer wrapper 114 are folded upward away from the second section 116. At process 506, a potting adhesive 118 is provided on the second section 116. At process 508, the first side of the filter media pack 112 is disposed on the second section 116 such that the ends and/or edges of the layers of the filter media pack 112 are joined together and encapsulated by the potting adhesive 118. The potting adhesive 118 also couples the first side of the filter media pack 112 to the outer wrapper 114.

In some embodiments, the blocking adhesive 118 is a "hot melt" adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is disposed on the second section 116 of the side panel or outer wrapper 114. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive has a density of about 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). In other embodiments, the hot melt adhesive has a density of about 1.03 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). The hot melt adhesive may also have other densities. In other embodiments, the potting adhesive 118 is a polyurethane-based adhesive and/or another suitable type of adhesive compound.

Referring now to fig. 6, a method 600 of a sequestration process is shown. As shown, the mold 610 is used for the sealing process. At process 602, a filter media pack 112 is provided. At process 604, a mold 610 is provided. At process 606, the potting adhesive 118 is disposed in a cavity 612 of a mold 610. At process 608, the filter media pack 112 is at least partially disposed within the cavity 612 such that the potting adhesive 118 bonds and seals the ends/edges of the layers of the filter media pack 112.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a portion of the filter element 104 of fig. 3. More specifically, a side view of the variable geometry sealing member 200 is shown. The sealing surface 140 is configured to have a shape substantially similar or identical to the variable geometry sealing member 200.

The seal member 200 includes a seal member wall (shown as wall 202) and a seal member protrusion (shown as seal member body 206). The connecting portion 204 extends between the wall 202 and the seal member body 206. The wall 202 and the connecting portion 204 are described in more detail herein with respect to fig. 15-24.

The wall 202 extends in an axial direction, substantially parallel to the housing wall 132. Wall 202 may contact the outer surface of filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the filter media pack 112 is defined by the outer wrapper 114 and/or one or more end caps (such as end cap 119 shown in fig. 15).

The sealing member body 206 is disposed at one side of the sealing member 200. The seal member body 206 extends outwardly away from the filter element 104 toward the housing 102. The seal member body 206 extends away from the wall 202. The seal member body 206 is received by the housing seal portion 134 such that the seal member body 206 contacts the sealing surface 140.

In some embodiments, the sealing member 200 includes one or more protrusions 206. For example, the sealing member 200 may include a corresponding sealing member body 206 disposed on each side of the sealing member 200. In some embodiments, the sealing member 200 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape such that the sealing member 200 has four sides. In these embodiments, the sealing member 200 includes four protrusions 206. In some embodiments, adjacent protrusions 206 abut each other. In other embodiments, adjacent protrusions are coupled to each other. For example, a first sealing member body 206 disposed on a first side of the sealing member 200 and a second sealing member body 206 disposed on a second side of the sealing member 200 adjacent to the first side may be coupled to each other at or near a corner defined by the first side and the second side of the sealing member 200. In another example, the first and second seal member bodies 206, 206 abut each other such that corners are defined where the first and second seal member bodies 206, 206 overlap.

The thickness (e.g., in the axial direction) of the seal member bodies 206 (e.g., each seal member body 206) is defined by a first curve 210 having a first radius 212 and a second curve 220 having a second radius 222 that is greater than the first radius 212. In some embodiments, the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 are not concentric such that the distance between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 is not uniform. More specifically, and as shown in fig. 7, a first distance 214 between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the sealing member first end 214 is less than a second distance 216 between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the sealing member central portion. A third distance 218 between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the second end of the sealing member is substantially similar or identical to the first distance 214 between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the first end of the sealing member. Therefore, the axial thickness (e.g., thickness in the axial direction) of the seal member 200 is uneven.

In the exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 7, a first distance 214 is defined between first curve 210 and second curve 220 at sealing member first end 214. A second distance 216 is defined between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the central portion of the sealing member. A third distance 218 is defined between the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 at the second end of the sealing member. The second distance 216 is greater than the first distance 214. The second distance 216 is greater than the third distance 218. In some embodiments, first distance 214 and third distance 218 are equal.

Each seal member body 206 may have the same or substantially similar axial thickness. For example, each sealing member body 206 may have a corresponding first curve 210 and second curve 220, where each first curve 210 has the same radius 212 and each second curve 220 has the same second radius 222. Thus, adjacent protrusions 206 may have the same axial thickness at the location where adjacent protrusions 206 overlap.

The central portion of the variable geometry sealing member 200 defines a first thickness or first depth 216. The first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200 defines a second thickness or second depth 214 that is less than the first depth 216. A second end of the variable geometry sealing member 200 opposite the first end defines a third depth 218 that is substantially similar or identical to the second depth.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, both the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 are concave curves with respect to the housing 102. In other embodiments, both the first curve 210 and the second curve 220 may be convex curves with respect to the housing 102. In still other embodiments, one of the first curve 210 or the second curve 220 is substantially straight (e.g., has an infinite radius) and the other is concave. In other embodiments, one of the first curve 210 or the second curve 220 is substantially straight (e.g., has an infinite radius) while the other is convex. In yet another embodiment, the variable geometry sealing member 200 has a uniform thickness along a central portion of the variable geometry sealing member 200 and a reduced or reduced thickness at the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200 and/or at the second end of the variable geometry sealing member.

Referring now to fig. 8-14, various side cross-sectional views of the filter system 100 of fig. 1 at different depths are shown. The non-uniform thickness of the variable geometry sealing member 200, or more specifically the sealing member body 206, along the length of the variable geometry sealing member 200 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the sealing member body 206 on a lateral side of the filtration system 100 and/or in the lateral direction of the sealing member body 206 on a longitudinal side of the filtration system 100) results in a different percentage of compression of the sealing member body 206 along the length of the variable geometry sealing member 200. More specifically, because the central portion of the seal member body 206 is thicker than the end portions of the seal member body 206, the compression of the seal member body 206 is non-uniform. Variables that result in non-uniform compression of the seal member body 206 include the thickness of the seal member body 206, the geometry of the sealing surface 140 of the housing 102 relative to the geometry of the seal member body 206, and the distance between the sealing surface 140 and the sealing portion 160 of the cover 106 relative to the thickness of the seal member body 206. Thus, adjusting any of these variables may change the compression of the sealing member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 8 illustrates near a central portion of the variable geometry sealing member 200 at a first depth. In the arrangement shown, the central portion of the seal member body 206 is compressed to about 12% to 20% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 9 illustrates at a second depth between the first depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the second depth is compressed by about 12% to 20% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 10 illustrates at a third depth between the second depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the third depth is compressed by about 12% to 20% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 11 illustrates at a fourth depth between the third depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the fourth depth is compressed to about 10% to 20% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 12 illustrates at a fifth depth between the fourth depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the fifth depth is compressed by about 9% to 19% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 13 illustrates at a sixth depth between the fifth depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the sixth depth is compressed by about 8% to 18% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

The cross-sectional view shown in fig. 14 illustrates at a seventh depth between the sixth depth and the first end of the variable geometry sealing member 200. In the arrangement shown, the seal member body 206 near the seventh depth is compressed by about 7% to 17% of the thickness of the seal member body 206.

It should be noted that the compression levels identified with respect to fig. 8-14 are merely examples, and that the amount of compression may vary in different system arrangements.

Referring now to fig. 15, a perspective view of a filter element 104 that may be used in the filter system 100 of fig. 1 is shown, according to another example embodiment. The filter element 104 shown in fig. 15 includes a filter media pack 112, a variable geometry sealing member 200, and a frame 250. A frame 250 is disposed about the perimeter of filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, frame 250 is disposed at a first end of filter media pack 112, adjacent to cover 106. In some embodiments, the frame 250 is disposed between the filter media pack and the variable geometry sealing member 200.

In some embodiments, frame 250 is an adjoining component that extends around the perimeter of filter media pack 112. In other embodiments, the frame 250 is not contiguous such that the frame 250 includes one or more frame sections disposed about the perimeter of the filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, the frame 250 is made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member 200 is molded to the frame 250. The frame 250 includes a portion around which the variable geometry sealing member 200 is molded, such as flange 158 (shown in fig. 18). In some embodiments, this portion of the frame 250 enables variable compression of the sealing member body 206 (e.g., between the cover 106 and the sealing surface 140). In other embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member 200 is stretched around the perimeter of the frame 250 such that the frame 250 is compressed by the variable geometry sealing member.

In some embodiments, the frame 250 and the variable geometry sealing member 200 cooperate to form a sealing member assembly 260. The seal member assembly 260 is coupled to the filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, the seal member assembly 260 is coupled to the filter media pack 112 by an adhesive.

The variable geometry sealing member 200 is substantially similar to the variable geometry sealing member described herein with respect to fig. 1-14. The variable geometry sealing member 200 includes an opening, such as a cavity 210 (shown in fig. 20), that is sized to receive a portion of a frame 250, such as the flange 158.

The filter media pack 112 is substantially similar to the filter media pack 112 described herein with respect to fig. 1-14. Filter media pack 112 includes one or more end caps 119. At least one side of filter media pack 112 is enclosed in end cap 119. For example, the filter media pack 112 may include four end caps 119 disposed on each side (e.g., lateral and longitudinal sides) of the filter media pack 112.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method 700 of assembling a portion of the filter element 104 of fig. 15, according to another example embodiment. More specifically, method 700 includes a sealing process for sealing a portion of filter media pack 112 with end cap 119, as shown in fig. 16.

At process 702, a filter media pack 112 is provided. At process 704, at least one end cap is provided. At process 706, adhesive 128 is applied to at least a portion of end cap 128. At process 708, a first side of filter media pack 112 is positioned on end cap 119 such that the ends/edges of the individual layers of filter media pack 112 are joined together and encapsulated by an adhesive. At process 710, the adhesive is cured and end cap 119 is coupled to filter media pack 112 by the adhesive. The process shown in fig. 16 may be repeated for each end cap 119 of filter media pack 112.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a frame 250 that may be used with the filter element 104 of fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of fig. 17. As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the frame 250 includes a frame wall 251. The frame wall 251 has a first wall portion 252, a second wall portion 254 and a third wall portion 256. The first wall portion 252 extends in the axial direction. The second wall portion 254 extends away from the first wall portion 252 and toward the filter media pack 112. The second wall portion 254 adjoins the first wall portion 252. The second wall 254 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (e.g., a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction, or both). The third wall portion 256 extends away from the second wall portion 254 and away from the cover 106. The third wall portion 256 is contiguous with the second wall portion 254. The third wall portion 256 extends in an axial direction such that the first wall portion 252 is substantially parallel to the third wall portion 256. As described above, the frame 250 also includes the flange 158. Flange 258 extends away from first wall portion 102 and away from filter media pack 112. The flange 108 is substantially perpendicular to the first wall portion 102 (e.g., in a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction, or both). A flange 258 is axially disposed between the second wall portion 254 and the top of the frame 250. A flange 258 is axially disposed between the second wall portion 254 and the cap 106.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a seal member assembly 260 that may be used with the filter element 104 of fig. 15. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the seal member assembly 260 of fig. 19. As shown, the seal member assembly 260 includes a variable geometry seal member 200 and a frame 250. As described above, the variable geometry sealing member 200 may be coupled to the frame 250 through a molding process. In other embodiments, the variable geometry sealing member 200 may be coupled to the frame 250 by stretching the variable geometry sealing member 200 around the frame. In any of the above embodiments, the cavity 258 defined by the variable geometry sealing member 200 is sized to receive the flange 258 of the frame 250.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the filter element 104, shown with the seal member assembly 160 of fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the filter media pack 112 and seal member assembly 160 of fig. 21. In some embodiments, the seal member assembly 160 is coupled to the filter media pack by an adhesive. More specifically, an interior portion of frame wall 251 of frame 250 of seal member assembly 260 is coupled to at least one end cap 119 of filter media pack 112 by an adhesive.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element 104. The filter element 104 includes the filter media pack 112 of fig. 21, shown with the seal member assembly 160 of fig. 19. The filter element 104 includes an adhesive compound 262 disposed between the frame 250 and the filter media pack 112. Frame 250 and filter media pack 112 cooperate to define a cavity 264, cavity 264 being sized to receive adhesive compound 262. More specifically, the frame wall 251 or a portion thereof (such as the first wall portion 252 and the second wall portion 254) and the outer surface of the filter media pack 112 define a cavity 264. Adhesive compound 262 is configured to couple frame 250 to filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, the outer surface of filter media pack 112 is or includes end cap 119.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element 104 of fig. 25, shown with an inlet frame 270. An inlet frame 270 is disposed on the inlet side of the filter media pack 112. The inlet frame 270 contacts the filter media pack 112 at the inlet side of the filter media pack 112. The inlet frame 270 includes one or more ribs 272. The first set of ribs 727 extends across the inlet side of the filter media pack 112 in a first direction (e.g., a transverse direction). The second set of ribs 272 extend across the inlet side of the filter media pack 112 in a second direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction) that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The ribs 272 define a plurality of openings 274 in the inlet frame 270 that allow fluid to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments, the inlet frame 270 is coupled to the filter media pack 112. In some embodiments, inlet frame 270 is retained on the inlet side of filter media pack 112 by one or more of end caps 119. For example, end cap 119 may include a flange 174 that extends inwardly toward filter media pack 112. Flange 174 may be disposed between inlet frame 270 and cover 106. The flange 174 may be disposed axially above the inlet frame 270. An inlet frame 270 is disposed between flange 174 and the inlet side of filter media pack 112. In this manner, the inlet frame 270 is held against the inlet side of the filter media pack 112 by the flange 174.

It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to mean that such embodiments must be special or excellent examples).

As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have broad meanings consistent with common and accepted uses by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to ±10% of a reference measurement, location or dimension. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of such features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to indicate insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims.

The terms "coupled," "attached," and the like as used herein refer to two members directly bonded to one another. Such binding may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable).

References herein to the location of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the different elements may be different and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied in particular embodiments. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims (20)

1. A filtration system comprising: a housing including a sealing surface disposed at a first end of the housing; a filter element comprising a variable geometry sealing member disposed at the sealing surface, wherein a shape of the variable geometry sealing member is defined by a first curve having a first radius and a second curve having a second radius, wherein the first curve and the second curve are non-concentric such that a thickness of the variable geometry sealing member is non-uniform; and A cover is coupled to the housing such that a surface of the cover compresses the variable geometry sealing member against the sealing surface. 2. The filtration system of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a housing body defining an interior volume sized to receive the filter element, the housing body comprising: the housing wall, and The housing sealing portion includes a lower wall portion and an upper wall portion. 3. The filtration system of claim 2, wherein at least the lower wall portion and the upper wall portion cooperate to define the sealing surface. 4. The filter system of claim 2, wherein the lower wall portion extends outwardly from the housing wall away from the filter element, and the upper wall portion extends axially away from the lower wall portion toward the cover. 5. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein: defining a first distance between the first curve and the second curve at a seal member first end of the variable geometry seal member; defining a second distance between the first curve and the second curve at a seal member center portion of the variable geometry seal member; and The second distance is greater than the first distance. 6. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the variable geometry seal member includes a seal member body extending away from the filter element toward the housing, the seal member body contacting the sealing surface. 7. The filtration system of claim 1 , wherein the variable geometry sealing member comprises: a sealing member wall; and A connecting portion extends between the sealing member wall and the sealing member body. 8. The filtration system of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises: an end wall defining an inlet opening disposed on an upstream side of the filter element; a plurality of ribs extending across the inlet opening, the plurality of ribs comprising: a first set of ribs extending across the inlet opening in a first direction, and A second set of ribs extends across the inlet opening 152 in a second direction different from the first direction. 9. The filtration system of claim 8, wherein the cover includes a cover sealing portion positioned to provide a force on the variable geometry sealing member to press the variable geometry sealing member into the sealing surface of the housing. 10. The filtration system of claim 9, wherein the sealing portion includes a protrusion extending away from the end wall and toward the housing such that the protrusion contacts the variable geometry sealing member when the cover is coupled to the housing. 11. The filtration system of claim 1 , wherein the filter element comprises: filter media packs; and An outer wrapper extends around the filtration media pack, wherein the variable geometry sealing member is coupled to at least one of the filtration media pack or the outer wrapper. 12. The filtration system of claim 1 , wherein the filter element comprises: filter media packs; and A frame is disposed between the variable geometry sealing members, the frame including a frame wall and a flange extending outwardly from the frame wall away from the filter media pack and toward the variable geometry sealing members. 13. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the variable geometry sealing member defines a cavity that receives the flange of the frame. 14. A filter element comprising: filter media packs; and A variable geometry sealing member is disposed about a perimeter of the filter media pack, wherein a shape of the variable geometry sealing member is defined by a first curve having a first radius and a second curve having a second radius, wherein the first curve and the second curve are non-concentric such that a thickness of the variable geometry sealing member is non-uniform. 15. The filter element of claim 14, wherein one of the first radius or the second radius is infinite such that one of the first curve or the second curve is substantially straight. 16. The filter element of claim 14, wherein the first radius is equal to the second radius. 17. The filter element of claim 14, wherein the first radius is different from the second radius. 18. The filter element of claim 14, further comprising an end cap, wherein at least one side of the filter media pack is enclosed in the end cap. 19. The filter element according to claim 18 further includes an inlet frame arranged on the inlet side of the filter media pack, the inlet frame contacts the filter media pack at the inlet side of the filter media pack, and the inlet frame includes one or more ribs, a first group of the one or more ribs extends across the inlet side of the filter media pack in a first direction, and a second group of the one or more ribs extends across the inlet side of the filter media pack in a second direction different from the first direction, the one or more first ribs defining a plurality of openings in the inlet frame that allow fluid to pass through the inlet frame. 20. A sealing member assembly comprising: a frame comprising frame walls and flanges; and A variable geometry sealing member is disposed around a periphery of the frame, wherein the shape of the variable geometry sealing member is defined by a first curve having a first radius and a second curve having a second radius, wherein the first curve and the second curve are non-concentric such that the thickness of the variable geometry sealing member is non-uniform, and the variable geometry sealing member defines a cavity into which the flange extends.