Actuator Breather Structure With Protected Internal Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof actuators with breather structures face installability issues due to the projection of filter units outside the housing, which can lead to damage when exposed to high-pressure liquids, and require additional clearance or spacing from installation components.

Innovation Solution

A breather structure comprising a breathing hole with a filter that allows gas flow while blocking liquids and solids, and a blocker that limits the path from the outside opening to the filter, preventing liquid and solid entry and protecting the filter by reducing pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter unit is installed at an outer side of the breathing passage to filter gas, then gas filtration is improved, but the filter projects outside the housing making it vulnerable to damage from high-pressure liquids and requiring additional clearance space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas filtrationVSAvoiddamage from high-pressure liquids

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is nested inside the housing by installing it at the inner side of the breathing passage opening. The holding member is received within the housing structure, with the filter positioned between the inner wall and the breathing passage opening, eliminating external projection and protecting it from high-pressure liquid damage while maintaining gas filtration functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter installation position is moved from the external dimension (outside the housing) to the internal dimension (inside the housing at the inner wall side). This dimensional repositioning allows the filter to remain functional for gas filtration while being protected from external harmful factors like high-pressure liquids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a filter unit is installed at an outer side of the breathing passage to filter gas, then gas filtration is improved, but additional clearance or spacing from installation components is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas filtrationVSAvoidinstallability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is designed to be received within the housing structure, nesting the filter assembly inside the existing housing volume. This eliminates the need for external clearance space, allowing the actuator to be installed closer to other components without risking filter damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is merged with the housing structure by installing the holding member within the housing at the inner wall side. This integration eliminates the need for separate external mounting space and clearance requirements, improving installability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the filter is exposed to the outside space through the breathing passage opening, then gas flow is permitted, but liquid and solid particles can directly reach and damage the filter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flowVSAvoidfilter protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inner wall of the housing serves as an intermediary barrier between the outside space and the filter. The breathing passage opening is formed at the inner wall, allowing gas to pass through while the inner wall structure itself blocks direct exposure of the filter to external liquid and solid particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking function is performed preliminarily by the inner wall structure before particles can reach the filter. The breathing passage opening is strategically positioned at the inner wall to allow gas flow while the wall structure itself provides preliminary protection against liquid and solid intrusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves installability by avoiding filter projection and protects the filter from high-pressure liquids, ensuring reliable operation and enhanced durability.

Implementation Method 1

a filter that allows gas to flow through a breathing hole while blocking liquids and solids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a blocker that limits a path from an outside opening, which is an opening of the breathing hole opened to an outside space, to the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11761530B2Breather structure for actuator

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A breather structure of an actuator includes: a breathing hole that extends through a rear housing between an inside and an outside of the rear housing; a filter that is configured to permit a flow of gas through the breathing hole via the filter while limiting a flow of liquid and a flow of solid through the breathing hole between the inside and the outside of the housing; and a blocker. The blocker is configured to block a portion of a path extending from an outer opening, which is an opening of the breathing hole opened to an outside space, to the filter to limit arrival of the liquid and the solid from the outside space to the filter.