Angled Vent Filter With Molded Hydrophobic Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filters for venting enclosures in the automobile industry face challenges in constructing precise connections between hydrophobic membranes and filter bodies, leading to high costs, complex operations, and inadequate protection against water infiltration, especially under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A filter design featuring internally hollow tubular portions made of different materials at an angle, with a hydrophobic membrane integrated as one piece with the filter body, allowing for a sealed connection and enhanced protection against water ingress, achieved through moulding processes that incorporate the membrane edge into the plastic material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hydrophobic membrane is inserted into a channel or seat of the filter body, then water protection function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to complex coupling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane and filter body into a single integrated component. The membrane is embedded within the filter body structure during molding, eliminating the need for separate insertion and coupling operations. This integration maintains water protection functionality while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the venting conduit, and integrates the membrane for water protection. The molded-in features of the filter body serve both as structural elements and as the mounting structure for the membrane, reducing the need for separate components and operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rectilinear venting conduit is used in the filter body, then manufacturing is simplified, but protection against water infiltration under pressure is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rectilinear venting conduit with an elbowed (curved) configuration. This curved path creates additional resistance to water infiltration under pressure while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes. The elbow section acts as a natural barrier that prevents direct water entry into the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting conduit is extended outward from the container in a direction away from potential water sources, adding spatial dimension to the protection strategy. This outward extension positions the membrane further from direct water exposure while maintaining venting functionality, effectively using spatial arrangement to enhance protection.
3Reliability
If the membrane is protected by a diaphragm in filters subjected to high pressure water flow, then water protection is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase due to multiple parts assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The protective diaphragm function is merged into the filter body structure itself through molded-in features. The filter body incorporates structural elements that provide protection equivalent to a separate diaphragm, eliminating the need for additional protective components while maintaining water protection under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter body is constructed using composite material properties and molded structures that combine structural support and protection functions. The integration of protective features into the molded filter body creates a composite structure that provides both mechanical strength and water protection without requiring separate protective components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are assembled together to form the filter, then functionality is achieved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (filter body, venting conduit, membrane support structure, and protection features) into a single molded filter body. This integration maintains all necessary filter functionalities while eliminating multiple assembly operations, significantly reducing production time and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
While the filter body is integrated, the invention maintains functional segmentation through molded-in features that create distinct zones for venting, membrane support, and protection. This functional segmentation is achieved through the molding process rather than physical assembly, preserving functionality while simplifying manufacturing.
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
The solution enables quick, cost-effective production of filters with optimal mechanical strength and liquid seal, effectively preventing water entry even under pressure, reducing construction complexities and enhancing protection against water jets and tightness tests.
Implementation Method 1
a filtering element of hydrophobic membrane type (15) positioned in the internal conduit (11) of the filter (8), transversely to the conduit (11), to prevent passage of water from the end (10) to the end (9) of the conduit (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A filter (8) for venting an enclosure (1) containing an electrical apparatus (4), such as a lens or lighting unit of a motor vehicle, and exposed to moisture or atmospheric agents, includes a tubular body (20) with a through cavity or conduit (11) opening at opposite ends (9, 10) of the body (20), which is coupled to a venting aperture (6) of the enclosure (1), the filter (8) including a hydrophobic filtering element; the body (20) of this filter (8) has at least two portions (20A, 20B) set at an angle to each other, the membrane filtering element (15) being in the interior of the body (20) and associated therewith so as to form one piece therewith, and being coupled to the body (20) in a manner transverse to an axis of at least one of the portions. The membrane is located within the mould before injection molding.