Pivotable Cabin Air Filter Frame With Snap Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabin air filters for vehicles are difficult to install and remove without auxiliary tools, and there is a need for a solution that simplifies this process while ensuring proper alignment and prevention of incorrect filter usage.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a frame featuring engagement elements and snap hooks that pivot and lock into a filter receptacle, allowing for easy mounting and demounting without tools, and incorporating a labyrinth-type configuration for defined engagement and material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filter element is designed with a simple frame structure for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element frame incorporates a pivotable engagement element that transitions from a disengaged state during installation to an engaged state during operation. The engagement element can rotate about a pivot axis to engage with the receiving element, transforming the static frame into a dynamic system that ensures secure attachment while maintaining ease of installation through tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element is designed to automatically engage with the receiving element without requiring auxiliary tools or complex manual operations. The pivotable mechanism self-secures the filter element to the filter receptacle, and the snap hook provides automatic locking, making the system self-servicing during both installation and operation.
2Reliability
If a filter element uses a complex engagement mechanism for secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a pivotable engagement element for initial connection, a snap hook for locking, and a receiving element for guidance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while collectively providing reliable secure attachment without requiring complex overall mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a filter element allows free movement during installation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element is pre-configured with a pivot axis and geometric features that guide its movement path during installation. The receiving element is similarly pre-formed with corresponding engagement surfaces. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that as the engagement element pivots into place, it automatically achieves precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cabin air filter is provided with a filter medium and a filter element frame that frames the filter medium and is configured to attach the cabin air filter to a filter housing. The filter element frame is provided with at least one engagement element configured to engage pivotably at least one receiving element of the filter housing for pivoting the cabin air filter relative to the filter housing about a pivot axis. The filter element frame also has at least one snap hook that locks with at least one locking element of the filter housing for blocking pivoting of the cabin air filter relative to the filter housing at least in a first direction about the pivot axis.