Donaldson Company, Inc.
Filter element and support structure

Abstract:

The current technology relates to a filter element having pleated filter media. The pleated filter media defines an elongate tubular structure having an inner passageway. The pleated filter media has outer pleat folds and inner pleat folds each extending from a first end to a second end of the elongate tubular structure. The filter element has no more than one elongate brace disposed in the inner passageway, extending between the first end and the second end. A plurality of support ribs are coupled to the elongate brace, where each support rib has a connector defining an interference-fit with the elongate brace. Each support rib partially defines the inner passageway and has an outer support surface that abuts a substantial portion of the inner pleat folds.