Alignment notch for end cap of filter element

Abstract

The present application relates to an alignment notch for an end cap of a filter element. A filtration system includes a housing having a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing defines a central compartment therein. The housing includes an alignment tab disposed on the second housing end. The alignment tab protrudes from the second housing end toward the first housing end. A filter element is positioned within the housing. The filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and a filter media between and extending axially between the first end cap and the second end cap. The filter media defines a central opening extending axially therein. An alignment notch is disposed on the second end cap, the alignment notch protruding from the second end cap toward the first end cap.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on July 8, 2019, with application number 201980039532.7 and invention title "Alignment notch for end cap of filter element".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 696,136, filed July 10, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to filter elements used for filtering fluids in internal combustion engine systems and the like. background

[0005] Internal combustion engines typically burn a mixture of fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) and air. Before entering the engine, fluids (e.g., liquids, air, etc.) typically pass through a filtration system to remove contaminants (e.g., dust, water, oil, etc.) from the fluid. The filtration system includes filter elements with filter media. As fluid passes through the filter media of the filter element, the filter media removes at least a portion of the contaminants from the fluid, thus preventing unwanted contaminants from entering the internal combustion engine. Similarly, the lubricant or lubricating oil supplied to the engine (e.g., engine oil) also passes through a filter element to remove particulate matter from the lubricant before it is connected to the engine. Fuel or oil may contain water, which may accumulate in the filter and may need to be removed.

[0006] Overview

[0007] Various exemplary embodiments relate to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a housing having a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing defines a central compartment therein. The housing includes an alignment tab disposed on the second housing end. The alignment tab projects from the second housing end toward the first housing end. A filter element is positioned within the housing. The filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and a filter medium located between and extending axially between the first and second end caps. The filter medium defines a central opening extending axially therein. An alignment notch is disposed on the second end cap. The alignment notch projects from the second end cap toward the first end cap.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a filter element. The filter element is positioned within a housing. The filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and a filter medium located between and extending axially between the first and second end caps. The filter medium defines a central opening extending axially therein. An alignment notch is provided on the second end cap, projecting from the second end cap toward the first end cap.

[0009] Various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in one or more of the embodiments described below.

[0010] 1) A filtration system, comprising:

[0011] A housing having a first housing end and a second housing end, the housing defining a central compartment therein, the housing comprising:

[0012] An alignment tab, wherein the alignment tab is disposed on the end of the second housing and protrudes from the end of the second housing toward the end of the first housing; and

[0013] A filter element, located within the housing, comprising:

[0014] First end cap;

[0015] Second end cap;

[0016] A filter medium, the filter medium being located between the first end cap and the second end cap and extending axially between the first end cap and the second end cap, the filter medium defining a central opening extending therein axially; and

[0017] An alignment notch is provided on the second end cap, and the alignment notch protrudes from the second end cap toward the first end cap.

[0018] 2) According to the filtration system of 1), wherein the alignment notch includes a U-shaped protrusion, the U-shaped protrusion includes a first notch surface and a second notch surface disposed away from the first notch surface, and when the filter element is disposed in the housing, the first notch surface contacts the folds of the filter medium, and the second notch surface contacts the alignment tab.

[0019] 3) According to the filtration system of 2), wherein the alignment notch further includes a top notch portion and an inner circumferential surface, the top notch portion extending from a first portion of the first notch surface toward a second portion of the first notch surface, and the inner circumferential surface extending from the end of the first portion of the first notch surface toward the end of the second portion of the first notch surface.

[0020] 4) The filtration system according to 3), wherein the top notch portion and the first notch surface are configured to separate at least one pleat in the filter medium from an adjacent pleat in the filter medium and prevent adhesive from the filter medium from contacting the second notch surface.

[0021] 5) According to the filtration system of 2), wherein the alignment notch further includes a top notch portion and an inner circumferential surface, the top notch portion extending from a first portion of the first notch surface toward a second portion of the first notch surface, the inner circumferential surface being disposed between the top notch portion and the end cap surface, and the inner circumferential surface being disposed between the second notch surface and the folds of the filter medium.

[0022] 6) The filtration system according to 1), wherein the second end cap defines a first end cap surface, a raised surface extending from the first end cap surface, and a second end cap surface, the raised surface being disposed around the periphery of the second end cap between the alignment recesses, the second end cap surface being defined along the raised surface, and the second end cap surface being axially disposed away from the first end cap surface.

[0023] 7) According to the filtration system of 1), wherein the alignment notch includes a U-shaped protrusion, the U-shaped protrusion includes a first notch surface and a second notch surface disposed away from the first notch surface, and when the filter element is disposed in the housing, the first notch surface contacts the folds of the filter medium, and the second notch surface contacts the alignment tab.

[0024] 8) The filtration system according to 7), wherein when the filter element and the housing are properly aligned, the first housing end is adjacent to the second end cap, and when the filter element is rotated such that the alignment tab engages the alignment recess, the filter element and the housing are properly aligned, and wherein the alignment tab comprises:

[0025] The base surface is adjacent to the end of the first housing;

[0026] A first mating surface protrudes from the base surface away from the end of the first housing, and the first mating surface contacts the second recessed surface;

[0027] A second mating surface protrudes from the base surface away from the end of the first housing, and the second mating surface contacts the second recessed surface;

[0028] A third mating surface protrudes from the base surface away from the end of the first housing and is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the alignment notch, which extends from the end of the first surface of the first notch surface toward the end of the second surface of the first notch surface.

[0029] 9) The filtration system according to 1), wherein when the filter element and the housing are properly aligned, the end of the first housing is adjacent to the second end cap, wherein the filter element and the housing are properly aligned when the filter element is rotated such that the alignment tab engages the alignment recess.

[0030] 10) The filtering system according to 9), wherein the alignment tab comprises:

[0031] The base surface is adjacent to the end of the first housing;

[0032] A first mating surface protrudes from the base surface away from the end of the first housing and is adjacent to the inner recess surface of the alignment recess;

[0033] A second mating surface, the second mating surface protruding from the base surface away from the end of the first housing, the second mating surface adjacent to the inner recess surface of the alignment recess; and

[0034] A third mating surface protrudes from the base surface away from the end of the first housing and extends from the first mating surface toward the second mating surface.

[0035] 11) The filtration system according to 10), wherein the third mating surface is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the alignment notch, the inner circumferential surface extending from the end of the first surface of the indentation surface toward the end of the second surface of the indentation surface.

[0036] 12) The filtration system according to 1), wherein the alignment tab includes an isosceles trapezoidal protrusion, and wherein the alignment recess includes a hollow isosceles trapezoidal protrusion.

[0037] 13) A filter element, comprising:

[0038] First end cap;

[0039] Second end cap;

[0040] A filter medium, the filter medium being located between the first end cap and the second end cap and extending axially between the first end cap and the second end cap, the filter medium defining a central opening extending therein axially; and

[0041] An alignment notch is provided on the second end cap, protruding from the second end cap toward the first end cap, and the alignment notch contacts the folds of the filter medium.

[0042] 14) The filter element according to 13), wherein the alignment notch comprises:

[0043] The U-shaped protrusion includes a first recessed surface and a second recessed surface disposed away from the first recessed surface, wherein the first recessed surface contacts the folds of the filter medium.

[0044] A top notch portion, the top notch portion extending from a first surface of the first notch surface toward a second surface of the first notch surface; and

[0045] An inner circumferential surface that extends from the end of the first surface of the first recessed surface toward the end of the second surface of the first recessed surface.

[0046] 15) The filter element according to 14), wherein the top notch portion and the first notch surface are configured to separate at least one pleat in the filter medium from an adjacent pleat in the filter medium and prevent adhesive from the filter medium from contacting the second notch surface.

[0047] 16) The filter element according to 14), wherein the alignment notch further includes a top notch portion and an inner circumferential surface, the top notch portion extending from a first portion of the first notch surface toward a second portion of the first notch surface, the inner circumferential surface being disposed between the top notch portion and the end cap surface, and the inner circumferential surface being disposed between the second notch surface and the folds of the filter medium.

[0048] 17) The filter element according to 14), wherein the alignment notch further includes a top notch portion and an inner circumferential surface, the top notch portion extending from a first portion of the first notch surface toward a second portion of the first notch surface, and the inner circumferential surface extending from an end of the first portion of the first notch surface toward an end of the second portion of the first notch surface.

[0049] 18) The filter element according to 14), wherein when the filter element is disposed in the housing, the second recessed surface contacts the alignment tab, the housing has a first housing end and a second housing end, the housing defines a central compartment therein, the central compartment being configured to receive the filter element, and wherein the alignment tab is disposed on the second housing end, the alignment tab protruding from the first housing end away from the second housing end.

[0050] 19) The filter element according to 18), wherein the filter element is properly installed in the housing when the filter element is rotated such that the alignment tab engages the alignment recess.

[0051] 20) The filter element according to 13), wherein the second end cap defines a first end cap surface, a raised surface extending from the first end cap surface, and a second end cap surface, the raised surface being disposed around the periphery of the second end cap between the alignment recesses, the second end cap surface being defined along the raised surface, and the second end cap surface being axially disposed away from the first end cap surface.

[0052] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of their operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements have similar numbers in all the several drawings described below. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0053] Figure 1 A perspective view of a filter element having an alignment notch according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0054] Figure 2A It shows having Figure 1 A side view of the end cap with the aligned notch of the filter element.

[0055] Figure 2B It shows having Figure 2A A perspective view of the end cap aligned with the notch.

[0056] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 2A A perspective view of the alignment notch that engages with the complementary alignment tab of the housing element.

[0057] Figure 4A A perspective view of an end cap having an alignment notch is shown according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Figure 4B It shows a device with an attached filter media. Figure 4A A perspective view of the end cap aligned with the notch.

[0059] Figure 5A It shows having Figure 4B A side view of the end cap aligned with the notch.

[0060] Figure 5B It shows a filter media attached. Figure 2A A side view of the aligned notch.

[0061] Figure 6AThis illustrates the situation where adhesive overflow occurs. Figure 5A A side view of the end cap aligned with the notch.

[0062] Figure 6B This illustrates the situation where adhesive overflow occurs. Figure 5B A side view of the end cap aligned with the notch. Detailed description

[0063] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a filtration system is described having: a filter element with a bottom end cap including an alignment notch and complementary alignment tabs disposed on the bottom surface of a housing. The filter element with the alignment notch can have advantages including, but not limited to, providing ease of correct installation, avoiding potential bypass problems, ensuring product quality, providing identifiable indications of incorrect installation, reducing assembly time (provided by the manufacturer to the end user throughout the process), increasing productivity, reducing product costs, facilitating “blind” assembly of the filter element in the housing, and providing micron-level protection against misalignment for various filter elements related to the size of the alignment notch. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the alignment tabs provide dome / capped protrusions that form an additional barrier to containment of adhesives (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.) if adhesive spills, and provide protection against adhesive spillage and interference with complementary housing features.

[0064] Alignment tabs and alignment notches provide "misalignment prevention" for the filter element within the housing of the filtration system, because the filter element cannot be fully positioned within the housing unless the alignment tabs of the housing engage the alignment notches of the filter element. In other words, the alignment notches ensure that the filter element has the same orientation when installed into the housing, as the filter element rotates during installation to properly engage the protruding alignment tabs at the desired orientation of the filter element. Therefore, the configuration of the alignment tabs and alignment notches can be varied to differentiate between filter element types and housings. For example, the filter element may have alignment notches associated with the micron scale of the filter media, allowing only specific micron-scale filter elements to be correctly installed into the housing.

[0065] In some embodiments, the alignment notch extends axially (e.g., the "dome" of the alignment notch extends axially toward the other end cap) to provide pleat expansion to a portion of the filter media, which can provide a wider flow valley between corresponding portions of the filter element. Furthermore, the vertical alignment notch provides an additional barrier against adhesive contamination during and after media potting. Attaching an end cap (e.g., an end plate) to one end of the filter media may include an adhesive (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.) to embed or pot the end of the filter media with the end cap. Potting the media in glue or adhesive provides an effective seal by ensuring gas flow through the thickness of the coalescing media (without bypass flow). However, during potting or during use of the filter element, the potting process can cause adhesive to overflow into openings (e.g., alignment notches) on the end caps. Advantageously, the domed vertical alignment notch provides protection against adhesive overflow during manufacturing, which could enter the alignment notch and jeopardize proper filter / element installation within the housing body. In addition, the dome-shaped vertical alignment notch protects the filter media pleats from damage by preventing them from contacting the alignment protrusions during the assembly of the filtration system.

[0066] As used herein, the term "notch" refers to a "female" mating element that includes an opening for receiving a complementary "male" mating element, such that the male mating feature is disposed within a portion of the opening. The notch may include a dome or similar structure disposed above the opening portion, resembling a sleeve, for receiving the male mating element. For example, an alignment notch may be a U-shaped or V-shaped dome structure having an opening at the base of the alignment notch structure. The term "lamp" refers to a male mating element disposed within a portion of the opening of the complementary female mating element. A lamp may be a solid projection in the form of a fin, rib, or other shaped protrusion.

[0067] While this disclosure may describe alignment tabs and alignment recesses having specific dimensions and shapes, alignment tabs can be of various sizes and shapes having complementary dimensions and shapes to provide the media differentiation and anti-misoperation features described herein. Specifically, alignment recesses can be of any construction, including variations in the shape, size, and number of alignment recess elements disposed on the end cap. Alignment recess elements are configured to have specific customized shapes, lengths, widths, and number of elements for connection to the housing. Similarly, alignment tabs can be of any construction, including variations in the shape, size, and number of alignment recess elements disposed on the end cap. Alignment recess elements are configured to have specific customized shapes, lengths, widths, and number of elements for connection to the housing. While alignment tabs and alignment recesses are described as being disposed on the bottom of the housing and filter element, respectively, alignment tabs and alignment recesses can be disposed on the top portions of the housing and filter element, respectively. Because of the shape and position of the alignment notch, the housing does not require a specially shaped runway, as the alignment tabs allow for simple shape settings on the housing.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 A filter element 102 with alignment features is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter element 102 includes a first end cap 104, a second end cap 106, and a filter medium 108. The filter medium 108 is located between the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106, and extends axially between the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106. Although Figure 1 The filter element 102 is shown without a central tube, but in some embodiments, the filter element 102 may include a central tube.

[0069] Filter media 108 defines a central opening extending axially therein and in fluid communication with outlet 204. Filter media 108 includes an inner clean (e.g., filtered fuel) side and an outer dirty (e.g., unfiltered fuel) side. Thus, filter element 102 is a filter element that flows from the outside in. In an alternative arrangement, filter element 102 is a filter element that flows from the inside out, having an inner dirty side and an outer clean side. The fluid to be filtered flows from the dirty side of filter media 108 to the clean side of filter media 108. Filter media 108 can include any paper-based filter media, fiber-based filter media, foam-based filter media, synthetic filter media, pleated filter media, etc. Pleated filter media refers to filter media 108 folded along multiple bends that extend axially between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In some embodiments, flat portions of the filter media are alternately folded along multiple pleat lines, thereby defining pleated blocks. Pleated filter media can include multiple wall segments that extend meanderingly between the bends and define axial flow channels therebetween.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the first end cap 104 is a closed end cap, while the second end cap 106 is an open end cap. The first end cap 104 is substantially flat and is configured to engage a substantially flat end of the housing when the filter element 102 is mounted within the housing 302 (not shown). The end surface of the second end cap 106 is substantially flat, except for an alignment notch (discussed below), and is configured to engage a substantially flat end of the housing when the filter element 102 is mounted within the housing 302 (not shown). Figure 3 (A portion is shown) of the substantially flat end of the housing when joined. Reference Figures 1-2B The second end cap 106 includes a raised surface 202 surrounding its periphery, an outlet 204, and an alignment recess 110. The outlet 204 is configured to communicate fluidly with the outlet of the housing to allow fluid filtered by the filter medium 108 to exit the filtration system. The raised surface 202 surrounding the periphery of the second end cap 106 receives the end of the filter medium 108 and holds it in place. The raised surface 202 includes a circular, horizontally extending first surface 206 and a circular, horizontally extending second surface 208 disposed at opposite ends of the raised surface 202 and substantially parallel to each other. The second surface 208 is the surface adjacent to the housing surface when the filter element 102 is properly installed within the housing. The first surface 206 is adjacent to the filter medium 108, and a portion of the alignment recess 110 extends radially from the first surface 206 toward the filter medium 108.

[0071] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the alignment notch 110 extends axially from the second surface 208 beyond the first surface 206 in a direction toward the first end cap 104. The alignment notch 110 includes a radially extending first notch surface 114, a radially extending second notch surface 116, and an inner circumferential surface 118. (Reference) Figure 2B The first notch surface 114 is slightly angled and extends from the medium mounting surface 200 in a direction toward the first end cap 104. The first notch surface 114 (e.g., the first notch portion) contacts the inner surface of the raised surface 202 and extends beyond the first surface 206. (See reference...) Figure 2A The second recessed surface 116 (e.g., a second recessed surface) extends slightly at an angle and away from the second surface 208, such that the second surface 208 and the second recessed surface 116 form a rounded portion. The second recessed surface 116 extends beyond the first surface 206 and has a shape similar to the first recessed surface 114. The first recessed surface 114, the second recessed surface 116, and the inner circumferential surface 118 form a protruding dome structure that receives complementary alignment tabs 310 from the housing 302 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown). Specifically, the second recessed surface 116 contacts the alignment tab 310 (when the filter element 102 is installed in the housing), and the first recessed surface 114 contacts the filter medium 108. The first recessed surface 114 and the second recessed surface 116 have similar shapes (e.g., U-shaped or rounded V-shaped), wherein the second recessed surface 116 is positioned inward from the first recessed surface 114. Therefore, the alignment recess 110 is U-shaped in both the axial and radial directions.

[0072] Advantageously, due to the depth 212 of the alignment notch 110 entering the space of the filter medium 108, the alignment notch 110 can provide pleated expansion of the filter medium 108. The alignment notch 110 avoids the problem of adhesive overflowing the skirt height by providing a dome-shaped opening protected by the first notch surface 114 and the second notch surface 116. Figure 2B As shown, the first notch surface 114 and the second notch surface 116 extend radially inward (e.g., radially inward) toward the outlet 204 to a depth 212, forming an alignment notch 110 with a height 214 and a depth 212 to receive the complementary alignment tab 310. The inner circumferential surface 118 closes the alignment notch 110, thereby separating the second notch surface 116 from adhesive overflow and protecting the opening 112 from being blocked by adhesive.

[0073] An opening 112 is defined between a second notch surface 116 of an alignment notch 110 and an inner circumferential surface 118. This opening is configured to receive a complementary alignment tab 310 from the housing 302. As will be understood, the shape of the second notch surface 116 and the inner circumferential surface 118 can define the shape of the opening 112. Figure 2AAs shown, opening 112 is an angled opening with a base wider than the top notch portion 216, which has a rounded dome shape. The top notch portion 216 extends in a rounded manner from a first portion 124 of the first notch surface 114 toward a second portion 126 of the first notch surface 114. Opening 112 is configured to have a specific shape and position on the second end cap 106, which allows complementary protrusions of housing 302 (e.g., alignment tabs 310) to engage with filter element 102 in a known and “predetermined” orientation. Therefore, when the filter element is installed into housing 302 with the alignment notch 110 and alignment tab 310 properly engaged, filter element 102 will have the same orientation. As will be understood, the shape of the opening 112 can be varied to provide a tighter or looser engagement between the filter element 102 and the housing 302, thereby allowing flexibility in the type and number of filter elements that can be installed in a particular housing, and in the type and number of housings in which a particular filter element can be installed. In other words, the filter element 102 with a particular shape of alignment notch 110 can properly engage various alignment tabs of different shapes and sizes.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, the engagement of the alignment notch 110 of the filter element 102 and the alignment tab 310 of the housing 302 is shown. A first end portion 304 of the housing 302 is shown, which includes the alignment tab 310. The first end portion 304 includes a first end surface 306 and a second end surface 308, which are axially spaced apart from each other, substantially parallel to each other, and are circular. The alignment tab 310 protrudes axially toward another end (not shown) of the housing 302 away from the first end portion 304 and toward the location where the filter element 102 is mounted. It is obvious that when the filter element 102 is mounted within the housing 302, the filter element 102 must be rotated to align with the opening 112 of the alignment notch 110, thereby receiving the protruding alignment tab 310 of the housing 302. In this way, the alignment notch 110 and the alignment tab 310 provide a misalignment prevention feature that requires the user or mounting entity to ensure that the filter element 102 is correctly rotated and aligned before the filtration system can be used.

[0075] The alignment tab 310 includes a base portion 314, a tip surface 318, and a tab engagement surface 312 to form an alignment tab 310 having a tab width 328 and a tab height 320, thereby engaging a complementary alignment recess 110. The base portion 314 is adjacent to (or formed together with) a first end surface 306 and has a base width 326 related to an angle 324 of the alignment tab 310. The tab engagement surface 312 and the front wall 316 form a projecting alignment tab 310. The tab engagement surface 312 is the three walls that engage the complementary alignment recess 110 in the filter element 102. Although the alignment tab 310 is shown as having three surfaces engaging the alignment recess, in some embodiments, only two surfaces of the alignment tab 310 may be configured to engage the alignment recess 110. The alignment tab 310 and the alignment recess 110 may have substantially similar heights and widths to provide a close, tight engagement between the alignment tab 310 and the alignment recess 110. Alternatively, and as... Figure 3 As shown, the height and / or width of the alignment tab 310 and the alignment recess 110 may be different in order to provide some play (e.g., a looser fit) between the alignment tab 310 and the alignment recess 110, such that there is a gap 322 between the tip surface 318 and the alignment recess 210.

[0076] Alignment tab 310 and alignment notch 110 can be formed from surfaces having similar or substantially the same angle 324. For example, the left and right sides of alignment notch 110 can form an angle 324 of 30 degrees, and the left and right sides of alignment tab 310 can also form an angle 324 of 30 degrees. As will be understood, the angle 324 of the dome-shaped notch portion 216 of alignment notch 110 can be varied (e.g., increased or decreased) to guide any adhesive (e.g., epoxy resin) to the preferred or desired adhesive area (e.g., to prevent adhesive from overflowing into and clogging opening 112).

[0077] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B According to an exemplary embodiment, an alignment notch 410 with an open configuration (e.g., without a dome or cap portion) is shown. Alignment notch 410 is substantially similar to alignment notch 110. The difference between alignment notch 410 and alignment notch 110 is that alignment notch 410 does not include the dome-top notch portion 216 and has a different height 424 and depth 426. Therefore, similar designations are used when describing alignment notch 410 and alignment notch 110. Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the bottom end cap 406 includes a raised surface 202 surrounding its periphery, an outlet 204, and an alignment recess 410. The outlet 204 is configured to communicate fluidly with the outlet of the housing to allow fluid filtered by the filter medium 108 to exit the filtration system. The raised surface 202 surrounding the periphery of the bottom end cap 406 receives the end of the filter medium 108 and holds it in place. The raised surface 202 includes a first circular and horizontally extending surface 206 and a second circular and horizontally extending surface 208 disposed at opposite ends of the raised surface and substantially parallel to each other. The second surface 208 is the surface adjacent to the housing surface when the filter element 102 is properly installed within the housing. Figures 1-3 Unlike the alignment notch 110, the alignment notch 410 is flush with the first surface 206, or in other words, the height of the alignment notch 410 is the same as the height 424 of the raised surface 202 (e.g., the distance from the first surface 206 to the second surface 208).

[0078] The alignment notch 410 extends from the second surface 208 to the first surface 206 and extends radially inward toward the outlet 204 at a desired depth 426. Notably, the alignment notch 410 does not extend axially beyond the first surface 206. The alignment notch 410 includes a radially extending first notch surface 414, a radially extending second notch surface 416, and an inner circumferential surface 418. Typically, the second notch surface 416 contacts the alignment tab 310, and the first notch surface 414 contacts the filter media 108. The first notch surface 414 is slightly angled and extends radially from the media mounting surface 200 toward the first end cap 104. The first notch surface 414 contacts the inner surface of the raised surface 202 and is substantially flush with the first surface 206. The second notch surface 416 is slightly angled and extends radially from and away from the second surface 208, such that the second surface 208 and the second notch surface 416 form a rounded portion. The second notch surface 416 is substantially flush with the first surface 206 and has a similar shape to the first notch surface 414. The first notch surface 414 and the second notch surface 416 have similar shapes (e.g., a U-shaped top portion), with the second notch surface 416 extending inward from the first notch surface 414. The inner circumferential surface 418 closes the alignment notch 410, thereby separating the second notch surface 416 from adhesive overflow and protecting the opening 412 from adhesive blockage. It is evident that the alignment notch 410 is U-shaped in both the axial and radial directions.

[0079] An opening 412 is defined between a second notch surface 416 of an alignment notch 410 and an inner circumferential surface 418. This opening is configured to receive a complementary alignment tab 310 from the housing 302. As will be understood, the shape of the second notch surface 416 and the inner circumferential surface 418 form the shape of the opening 412. Figure 4A As shown, opening 412 is a substantially straight opening. Opening 412 has a specific shape that allows complementary protrusions of housing 302 (e.g., alignment tabs 310) to engage with filter element 102 in a known and “predetermined” orientation. Therefore, when the filter element is mounted into housing 302 with the alignment notch 410 and alignment tab 310 properly engaged, filter element 102 will have the same orientation. As will be understood, the shape of opening 412 can be varied to provide a tighter or looser engagement between filter element 102 and housing 302, thereby allowing flexibility in the type and number of filter elements that can be mounted in a particular housing, and in the type and number of housings in which a particular filter element can be mounted. In other words, filter element 102 with an alignment notch 410 of a specific shape can appropriately engage various alignment tabs of different shapes and sizes.

[0080] Advantageously, the alignment notch 410 provides pleated expansion of the filter media 108 due to its depth 426 extending into the space of the filter media 108. However, due to the lack of a dome-shaped top, the alignment notch is susceptible to adhesive spillage and potential clogging of the opening 112. Furthermore, due to the lack of a dome-shaped portion on the alignment notch 410 (e.g., the alignment notch is flush with the first surface 206 and the second surface 208), the alignment tab 310 protrudes axially beyond the alignment notch 410 and the first surface 206 into the filter media 108. Therefore, due to the exposed alignment notch 410, fuel fluctuations during operation can cause pleated vibration or movement, which could lead to the alignment tab 310 contacting and damaging the filter media 108 during operation. Advantageously, the alignment notch 410 partially protects the filter media pleats from damage by preventing contact with the base portion of the alignment tab during the assembly of the filtration system.

[0081] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Alignment notches 410 and 110 are shown respectively, which engage an alignment tab 510 having an isosceles trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the alignment tab 510 may have a triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular shape. As will be understood, the engagement of the alignment tab 510 and the alignment notch 410 causes the alignment tab 510 to contact the filter medium 108, such as... Figure 5AAs shown. As described above, because the alignment tab 510 protrudes axially beyond the alignment recess 410 and is exposed (e.g., without a dome portion), fuel fluctuations during operation can cause folding, vibration, or movement of the filter media 108, which will cause the alignment tab 510 to come into contact with and potentially damage the filter media 108 during operation. Conversely, as Figure 5B As shown, the dome alignment notch 110 covers the protruding alignment tab 510 and protects the filter medium 108 from contacting the alignment tab 510. Advantageously, the alignment notch 110 is configured to deploy the filter medium 108 in a continuous (once installed) manner that limits movement and damage to the filter medium 108.

[0082] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates the potential adhesive spillage problem 602 with alignment notches 410 and 110, respectively. As will be understood, the absence of the dome top portion (e.g., an open path to opening 112) allows some or all of the adhesive to spill into and block opening 112 during manufacturing. In these cases, and as... Figure 6A As shown, the alignment tab 510 cannot enter the opening 112 and engage the alignment recess 410. Instead, the dome-shaped structure of the alignment recess 110 provides a protective barrier between the opening 112 and the adhesive application location (e.g., when filling the filter medium 108 into the end cap), thereby preventing any adhesive spillage (e.g., adhesive spillage 602) into the opening 112 and blocking it. Advantageously, the alignment recess 110 is configured to ensure that adhesive spillage does not prevent the alignment tab 510 from engaging the alignment recess 110.

[0083] It should be noted that the use of the term "example" as used in describing various embodiments herein is intended to indicate possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily non-ordinary or best examples).

[0084] As used herein, the term "coupled" and similar terms mean two components joined together, directly or indirectly. Such a connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). This connection can be achieved by integrating two components, or two components and any additional intermediate components, into a single unit, or by attaching two components, or two components and any additional intermediate components, to each other.

[0085] References to the location of elements herein (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc.) are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0086] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged. Furthermore, features from particular embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Other substitutions, modifications, variations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A filtration system, comprising: - A housing having a first housing end and a second housing end, the housing defining a central compartment therein, the housing comprising: - An alignment tab, wherein the alignment tab is disposed on the end of the second housing, the alignment tab protruding from the end of the second housing toward the end of the first housing and extending in an axial direction; and - A filter element, located within the housing, the filter element comprising: -- First end cap; -- Second end cap, the second end cap comprising: --- First end cap surface; --- The second end cap surface, which is axially spaced from the first end cap surface, extends along the periphery of the first end cap surface; and --- Alignment notch element, the alignment notch element being disposed on the surface of the second end cap and protruding axially toward the first end cap away from the surface of the second end cap; and -- A filter medium located between and extending between a first end cap and a second end cap, the filter medium defining a central opening extending axially therein, the alignment notch element separating at least one pleat in the filter medium from an adjacent pleat in the filter medium, the alignment notch element defining an alignment notch. The alignment notch includes an angled opening, and the base of the alignment notch is wider than the top notch portion of the alignment notch.

2. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment notch element includes a first notch surface and a second notch surface disposed away from the first notch surface. When the filter element is disposed in the housing, the first notch surface is adjacent to at least one fold in the filter medium, and the second notch surface is adjacent to the alignment tab.

3. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment notch is U-shaped along the radial direction.

4. The filtration system according to claim 2, wherein, The second notch surface is positioned inward from the first notch surface, and both the first and second notch surfaces extend radially away from the outer diameter of the second end cap.

5. The filtration system according to claim 2, wherein, The alignment notch element further includes an inner circumferential surface that closes the alignment notch, and the first notch surface, the second notch surface, and the inner circumferential surface extend away from the second end cap surface toward the first end cap.

6. The filtration system according to claim 1, wherein, The second end cap further includes a raised surface that extends axially between the surface of the first end cap and the surface of the second end cap, and the raised surface is disposed along the periphery of the second end cap.

7. The filtration system according to claim 2, wherein, The alignment tab includes: The first mating surface contacts the second recessed surface when the filter element is installed in the housing. A second mating surface, which contacts the second recessed surface when the filter element is installed within the housing; and A third mating surface, when the filter element is installed within the housing, is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the alignment notch, which extends from the end of the first surface of the first notch towards the end of the second surface of the first notch.

8. The filtration system according to claim 1 or 5, wherein, When the filter element is installed in the housing, the first housing end of the housing is adjacent to the second end cap, wherein the filter element is installed in the housing when the filter element is rotated such that the alignment tab engages the alignment recess.

9. The filtration system according to claim 8, wherein, The alignment tab includes: A first mating surface, when the filter element is installed in the housing, is adjacent to a first surface of the inner recess surface of the alignment recess; A second mating surface, when the filter element is installed within the housing, is adjacent to a second surface of the inner recess surface of the aligned recess; and A third mating surface extends from the first mating surface toward the second mating surface.

10. The filtration system according to claim 9, wherein, When the filter element is installed in the housing, the third mating surface is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the alignment notch, which extends from the end of the first surface of the notch surface toward the end of the second surface of the notch surface.

11. The filtration system according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9-10, wherein, The alignment tab includes an isosceles trapezoidal protrusion, and the alignment notch element includes a hollow isosceles trapezoidal protrusion.

12. A filter element, comprising: - First end cap; - Second end cap, the second end cap comprising: -- First end cap surface; -- A second end cap surface, axially spaced from the first end cap surface, extending along the periphery of the first end cap surface; and -- Alignment notch element, which is disposed on the surface of the second end cap and protrudes axially toward the first end cap away from the surface of the second end cap; - A filter medium located between and extending between a first end cap and a second end cap, the filter medium defining a central opening extending axially therein, the alignment notch element separating at least one pleat in the filter medium from an adjacent pleat in the filter medium, the alignment notch element defining an alignment notch. The alignment notch includes an angled opening, and the base of the alignment notch is wider than the top notch portion of the alignment notch.

13. The filter element according to claim 12, wherein, The alignment notch is U-shaped along the radial direction.

14. The filter element according to claim 12, wherein, The alignment notch element further includes a first notch surface and a second notch surface, the second notch surface being disposed inward from the first notch surface, and both the first notch surface and the second notch surface extending radially away from the outer diameter of the second end cap.

15. The filter element according to claim 12, wherein, The alignment notch element includes a hollow isosceles trapezoidal protrusion.

16. The filter element according to claim 12, wherein, The alignment notch element further includes: A first recessed surface and a second recessed surface, wherein the second recessed surface is positioned inwardly from the first recessed surface; and An inner circumferential surface is disposed between the second recessed surface and the filter medium.

17. The filter element according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein, The second end cap further defines a raised surface that extends axially between the surface of the first end cap and the surface of the second end cap, and the raised surface is disposed along the periphery of the second end cap.

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