Removable Air Filter Cover With Flexible Pipe Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter arrangements for combustion engines require complex and dirty procedures for filter changes, risking contamination and necessitating vehicle elevation for access, which complicates the process and increases the risk of dirt entering the clean air system.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a removable top cover and a flexible, deformable pipe section that allows the filter unit to be changed from the upper side without disconnecting the duct system, using a hinge and a curved pipe section for easy access and support, and a filter element with a mesh or cloth for contamination protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter unit is changed from the bottom of the filter housing, then the filter can be replaced, but there is a high risk of contamination of the clean side with dirt from the dirty region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional filter replacement approach by providing access to the filter unit from the top (clean side) instead of the bottom (dirty side). The cover is made movable to allow filter replacement from the clean side, eliminating the risk of contaminating the clean air system with dirt from the dirty region.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing is segmented into a stationary housing and a movable cover that can be opened independently. This segmentation allows the cover to be moved away to provide access to the filter unit from the top, while the main housing remains in place and connected to the duct system.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is raised or placed over a greasing pit to provide space for filter change, then the filter can be replaced, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically opened and closed. The flexible pipe section allows the cover to be moved away to provide access space for filter replacement without requiring the vehicle to be raised or positioned over a pit, enabling quick maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pipe section can change its configuration from a compact state during operation to an extended state during maintenance. The pipe can be turned inside out and extended to create the necessary working space for filter replacement, then returned to its compact form afterward.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible pipe section is turned inside out to shorten it, then the cover can be moved away from the top aperture, but the pipe must be deformable like a roll bellows
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe section is constructed as a flexible bellows-like structure that can be deformed by turning inside out. This flexible shell design allows the pipe to be compacted to a shorter length, enabling the cover to be moved away to provide access space for filter replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air filter arrangement comprising a filter housing (10) for connection to a duct (80) for a combustion engine. According to the invention the filter housing (10) has a cover (30) for closing a top aperture of the filter housing (10), an engine air outlet (40) on the cover (30), and a flexible pipe section (42) on the engine air outlet for the connection to the duct, to allow the cover (30) to be removed from the top aperture and a filter unit to be introduced into and taken out from the filter housing (10).