Air Filter Element Cover Locking for Space-Saving Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter devices for motor vehicles face issues with space utilization and reliable operation, as laterally projecting locking elements occupy valuable space and can be fitted without a filter element, leading to improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a frame that includes a front wall and a securing element with ramp-shaped wings, allowing for a tight fit of the cover on the air filter housing, ensuring the cover can only be closed when the filter element is correctly inserted, and preventing operation without the filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laterally projecting locking elements are used to secure the cover, then the cover can be reliably fixed, but a large amount of space in the filter housing is occupied and cannot be used for filtering air
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is moved from a lateral projection configuration to a front-facing configuration on the front wall of the filter element. The securing element with its holding part engages with the cover in the insertion direction rather than laterally, thereby utilizing the front wall area instead of lateral space, which frees up the lateral space for additional filtering material.
2Ease of operation
If the cover can be fitted without a filter element, then the device is easier to assemble, but improper operation occurs when no filter element is present
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to engage with the cover only when the filter element is correctly positioned in the housing. The holding part of the securing element protrudes from the front wall and can only engage with the cover's corresponding receptacle when the filter element is properly inserted, thereby preventing the cover from being fitted without a filter element.
3Volume of stationary object
If a securing element with wings is used, then space utilization is improved and the cover can be reliably fixed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is segmented into a shank portion and a holding part with two wings. The holding part features two holding portions that engage with corresponding receptacles on the cover, providing reliable fixation while maintaining a compact structure that does not excessively increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for an air filter device of a motor vehicle includes a frame which surrounds a filter material. The frame has a front wall extending perpendicularly to an insertion direction in which the filter element is insertable in a receiving space of a housing of the air filter device. A securing element is disposed on a front side of the front wall on which securing element a cover of the air filter device configured for closing the receiving space is fixable. The securing element has two holding parts which are engageable with two corresponding holding parts of the cover. The two holding parts of the securing element are configured as wings projecting from a shank of the securing element transversely to the insertion direction and the two holding parts extending from a respective first end region to a respective second end region, facing the front wall, are ramp-shaped.