Bent Filter with Integrated Rim Retention Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-tank fuel filters face spatial restrictions and require additional components for retention, increasing costs and potentially reducing filtration area, as they need to be retained in a bent position without unfolding before installation.
Innovation Solution
A filter with a slit forming a flexible retention element unitarily attached to the filter envelope, allowing it to maintain a bent position without additional components, using a porous, flexible material with a central fold and a port configuration that includes a flange and elbow for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional components (plastic zip tie or wrap) are affixed to the filter to retain the bent position, then the filter can be held in the bent position, but the cost increases and the filtration area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element is integrated into the filter envelope by forming it from the rim material itself through a slit, merging the retention function with the filter structure. This eliminates the need for separate plastic zip ties or wraps, thereby maintaining full filtration area while achieving the bent position retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter envelope's own rim material is used to create the retention element, allowing the filter to retain its bent position using its own structural components rather than external additions. The slit in the rim enables the material to form a loop that secures the bent configuration without requiring additional components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional components (plastic zip tie or wrap) are affixed to the filter to retain the bent position, then the filter can be held in the bent position, but the device complexity and installation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is merged with the filter envelope structure by forming the retention element from the rim material through a slit. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate retention components and simplifies installation by reducing the number of assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter envelope uses its own rim material to create the retention mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity. No external components or additional assembly operations are required.
3Volume of moving object
If the filter is bent to fit spatial restrictions, then the filter can be installed in tight spaces, but the filter requires additional retention components to prevent unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is combined with the filter envelope structure through the slit-formed retention element, allowing the bent configuration to be maintained without additional components. This enables compact installation while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter envelope's rim material serves dual purposes: maintaining the filter structure and providing the retention mechanism for the bent position. This self-service approach allows spatial optimization without adding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter has an elongated filter envelope with an inner pocket containing filter material and configured to receive fluid filtered by the filter envelope. The filter envelope has a bent position defined by a port portion and a loop portion, the loop portion and the port portion overlapping each other at least partially. A port is attached to the filter envelope proximate the port end and is configured to be connected to a hydraulic device and to allow fluid to be released from the pocket. The filter envelope has a periphery with a sealed rim and a slit splitting a portion of the rim so as to form a flexible retention element unitarily attached to the loop portion of the filter envelope. The retention element is positioned around one of the port and the port portion of the filter envelope to retain the filter envelope in the bent position.