Vehicle Air Filter Element With Moveable Holding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter designs for motor vehicles make it difficult to confirm if the filter element is installed when the receiving space is closed by a cover, as there is no clear indication of the filter's presence.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a moveable holding element that aligns and secures a fastening mechanism upon insertion, ensuring the cover can only be fastened to the housing if the filter element is properly installed, and utilizing a flexible connecting strip or guide mechanism for easy and reliable insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover element is used to close the receiving space, then the air filter housing is sealed and protected, but it becomes difficult to verify whether the filter element is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is pre-positioned on the filter element frame, and the fastening element is pre-positioned on the cover. During insertion, the holding element automatically moves to the functional position where it engages with the fastening element, establishing the verification mechanism before the cover is fully closed
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element acts as an intermediary between the filter element and the cover. It translates the insertion action into a mechanical engagement with the fastening element, providing visible verification that the filter is installed without requiring complex sensors or indicators
2Reliability
If the holding element is rigid, then it provides stable fastening, but it becomes difficult to insert the filter element into the receiving space
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed with dynamic characteristics through the flexible connecting strip, allowing it to change position during insertion (from initial to functional position) and then maintain a stable engaged position during operation. This dynamic behavior enables both easy insertion and reliable fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connecting strip is implemented as a thin, elastic film structure that connects the holding element to the frame. This flexible film allows the holding element to deform during insertion while maintaining structural integrity, enabling smooth insertion followed by stable engagement
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
Facilitates easy verification of filter element installation and ensures the air filter is operational only when the filter element is correctly mounted, preventing incorrect assembly and ensuring proper operation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one holding element is preferably held on the frame part by means of a flexible connecting strip. The at least one holding element is moveable from its initial position into its functional position by a deformation of the connecting strip.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for an air filter of a motor vehicle includes a frame part which surrounds a filter material of the filter element. The filter element is insertable into a receiving space which is provided by a housing of the air filter. The filter element has a holding element which is movable from an initial position into a functional position by inserting the filter element in the receiving space. In the functional position, a fastening element can be fixed to the holding element. The fastening element is configured for securing a cover element, which is used to close an insertion opening of the receiving space, to the housing.