Cabin Filter Frame Locking Grooves for Vibration-Safe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for vehicle passenger compartments are difficult to securely attach to the filter housing, prone to movement due to vibrations or pressure surges, and require complex assembly processes, often allowing unsuitable elements to be inserted.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a filter element and frame featuring engagement elements that fit into grooved locking sections in the housing, allowing easy assembly and secure attachment through angled insertion and locking mechanisms, using tenons or projections for positive engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional engagement elements (screws, clips) are used to secure filter elements, then the filter element can be held in place, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement counter element is segmented into two distinct functional sections: an insertion section for guiding the engagement element during assembly and a locking section for securing it in place. This segmentation allows the assembly process to be simplified into distinct phases while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion section is designed to guide the engagement element into the correct position and orientation before the locking action occurs. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the subsequent locking section engagement is automatic and requires no additional adjustment steps.
2Ease of operation
If simple engagement elements are used, then assembly is easy, but the filter element becomes loose under vibration or pressure surges
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement counter element is divided into an insertion section and a locking section that work together to provide both easy assembly and secure attachment. The insertion section accepts the engagement element during assembly while the locking section prevents disengagement under vibration or pressure surges.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element and counter element are designed to transition from a loose fit during insertion to a locked position during operation. The angled locking section creates a mechanical interlock that dynamically responds to assembly forces and then maintains a secure connection under operational vibrations and pressure variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If any filter element can be inserted, then versatility is high, but unsuitable elements may be installed causing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement elements and counter elements are designed with asymmetric geometries that only match for correct filter element orientations. The insertion section and locking section are positioned and shaped so that only the properly oriented filter element can engage both sections correctly, preventing installation of unsuitable elements.
4Reliability
If multiple engagement points are provided, then secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion section and locking section are merged into a single integrated engagement counter element structure. This combining of functions into one component provides multiple engagement points (both insertion and locking) without increasing the number of separate parts or assembly steps, thus maintaining simplicity while improving security.
Data Source
AI summary
Filter apparatus (6) in particular passenger compartment filter apparatus, for example for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a filter element (8) having a filter medium body (9) and a frame (10) surrounding the filter medium body (9), wherein the frame (10) features opposite lateral surfaces (11, 12), a plurality of engagement elements (22a to 22d), and a filter housing (7) featuring, on two opposing wall sections (24, 25), in each case two engagement counter elements (28a to 28d) in which in each case one of the plurality of engagement elements (22a to 22d) can be accommodated in a positive fitting manner, wherein the engagement counter elements (28a to 28d) in each case are designed as a groove in the respective wall section (24, 25) of the filter housing (7) and feature: an insertion section (31) which, when the filter element (8) is mounted in the filter housing (7), permits an insertion movement of the respective engagement element (22a to 22d) substantially along the throughflow direction (L), and a locking section (32) connected to the insertion section (31) and angled with respect to the insertion section (31), wherein a respective engagement element (22a to 22d) is disposed on a respective lateral surface (11, 12) of the filter element (8) when the filter element (8) is mounted in the filter housing (7), extends away from the filter medium body (9), and is held in a respective locking section (32).