Filter Assembly Snap-Fit Retaining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter assemblies for internal combustion engines have a high number of parts and increased assembly time due to separate filter media retaining components and fasteners, which complicate the maintenance of filter media positioning within the container.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with integrated filter retaining elements and a snap-fit locking mechanism, where the filter media is retained within a cylindrical container using radially extending ring segments and a nose portion for secure engagement, reducing the need for additional fasteners and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate filter media retaining components and fasteners are used, then the filter media positioning is maintained, but the number of parts and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filter media retaining components directly into the filter container structure. The retaining components are formed as integral parts of the container walls, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and retaining devices. This merging of functions reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the positioning reliability of the filter media.
2Reliability
If separate filter media retaining components and fasteners are used, then the filter media positioning is maintained, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the retaining components into the container structure itself, the assembly process is simplified. The filter media can be directly positioned and secured without the additional steps of installing separate fasteners and retaining devices, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and retaining components are used, then the filter media is secured, but the maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of retaining components into the container structure creates a simpler, more unified assembly. During maintenance, the filter media can be removed and replaced without dealing with multiple separate fasteners and retaining devices, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring secure retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a filter including a filter media, and an end cap; a filter container including an open end, and a wall portion defining a cavity that is adapted to receive the filter, wherein the wall portion includes an inner surface defining the cavity; and a close-out member removably secured to the filter container proximate the open end, wherein the close-out member includes a circumferential wall, an end wall, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the close-out member includes one or more filter-retaining elements that engages the end cap, wherein the one or more filter retaining elements are located proximate one or more of the circumferential wall and the end wall, wherein the one or more filter retaining elements include a radial portion extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall, and an axial portion extending axially away from an inner end wall surface of the end wall.