Crankcase Ventilation Filter End Caps That Prevent Media Unwinding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating crankcase ventilation filter elements experience issues with mass shift and unbalance due to unwinding of filter media layers, leading to potential damage to bearings and reduced efficiency, especially at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of indenting features in top and bottom end caps to interlock filter media layers, preventing relative movement and maintaining rotational balance, thereby securing the layers within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotating filter elements are used to increase filter efficiency and reduce pressure drop, then filtering performance is improved, but the filter media layers become loose and cause mass shift leading to unbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating indentations in the filter media layers before rotation occurs. These indentations are formed by pressing the filter media against a surface with corresponding protrusions, securing the layers in place before any rotational forces can cause them to become loose and unbalanced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where protrusions on a surface act as mediators to create securing indentations in the filter media. These protrusions transfer the securing force to the filter media layers, preventing them from becoming loose during rotation while maintaining the rotational design benefits.
2Stability of the object's composition
If filter media layers are secured mechanically to prevent unwinding, then rotational balance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the filter media layers secure themselves through indentations created during assembly. The protrusions on the surface automatically form securing indentations when the filter media is pressed against them, eliminating the need for additional complex securing mechanisms like clips, fasteners, or adjustment devices.
3Ease of operation
If filter media layers are allowed to move freely, then ease of installation is improved, but bearing damage and reduced filter life occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ease of installation by forming indentations during the assembly process itself, without requiring separate securing steps. The indentations are created by pressing the filter media against protrusions during installation, securing the layers before the filter enters service and prevents bearing damage during normal operation.
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
Prevents unwinding of filter media layers, maintains rotational balance, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the life of the filter element and its components.
Implementation Method 1
indenting features configured to indent and interlock a plurality of filter media layers of a filter media
Implementation Method 2
the contaminants (e.g., oil droplets suspended and transported by blowby gases) are separated at least in part by centrifugal separation techniques
Implementation Method 3
the rotation of the coalescer element can create a pumping effect, which reduces the pressure drop through the crankcase ventilation system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A rotating crankcase ventilation filter element comprises a filter media comprising a plurality of filter media layers. A first end cap is positioned on a filter media first end. The first end cap comprises a first end cap main body, and a first plurality of indenting features positioned on the first end cap main body proximate the filter media first end. The first plurality of indenting features contact and indent corresponding segments of the filter media first end, causing the plurality of filter media layers to interlock at the corresponding segments. The interlocking prevents movement of the plurality of filter media layers relative to each other.