Filter Cartridge Closure Member for Engine Oil Drain Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid filter cartridges for engine lubricating oil require complex and expensive systems with moving parts to prevent oil spilling when removed, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A closure member is integrated into the filter cartridge's casing to close the drain channel when mounted, eliminating the need for additional moving parts on the engine block, using a resiliently biased design with a gasket and spring mechanism to ensure leak-tight sealing without additional engine block modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable plug is fitted to the engine block to close the drain channel when the cartridge is mounted, then oil spilling is prevented, but the system becomes complex and expensive requiring additional moving parts and assembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of oil spillingVSAvoidcomplexity of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fitting a movable closure to the engine block (support), the invention inverts the approach by integrating the closure member directly into the filter cartridge casing. The closure member is fixed to the cartridge and moves relative to the support's drain channel opening, closing it when the cartridge is mounted and opening it when removed. This eliminates the need for complex moving parts on the engine block while achieving the same oil spill prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member is designed to automatically perform the sealing function through the cartridge's own mounting and removal actions. When the cartridge is installed, the closure member's position relative to the support automatically closes the drain channel; when removed, it automatically opens. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems or complex actuating mechanisms on the engine block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional moving parts are fitted to the engine block for draining oil, then oil spillage is prevented, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of oil spillingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transfers the closure function from the engine block to the filter cartridge itself. By fixing the closure member to the cartridge casing rather than fitting moving parts to the engine block, the solution simplifies engine block manufacturing and reduces assembly operations. The closure member becomes part of the cartridge assembly that is already being manufactured and installed anyway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member is merged with the filter cartridge casing as an integrated assembly. This combining of functions (closure + filter cartridge) eliminates the need for separate closure components on the engine block, reducing total part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the oil spill prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a closure member is integrated into the filter cartridge, then the drain channel is closed without additional engine block parts, but the closure member must be changed with the cartridge increasing consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of engine blockVSAvoidconsumption of closure member

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member is designed as a disposable component that is replaced with each filter cartridge change. This is economically justified because the closure member is a simple, inexpensive component (such as a rubber seal or plastic cap) compared to the cost of engine block modifications or complex reusable mechanisms. The low cost of the disposable closure member makes replacement with each cartridge change economically acceptable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This solution effectively prevents oil spilling during cartridge removal without adding complexity or cost to the engine block, allowing for efficient and cost-effective production and installation of the filter system.

Implementation Method 1

The spring comprises a resilient ring extending radially between an outer first end connected to the side wall of the closure member, and an inner second end bearing against the end wall of the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8663470B2Liquid filter cartridge, and an engine subassembly including such a cartridge

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 FILTRAUTO

AI summary

A liquid filter cartridge comprising an outer casing defining an inside volume containing a filter element that separates the inside volume into an upstream space and a downstream space, the casing having an end wall defining a liquid inlet passage communicating with the upstream space, and a liquid outlet passage communicating with the downstream space, the casing being adapted for mounting on a support that includes a liquid inlet channel designed to communicate with the inlet passage, a liquid outlet channel designed to communicate with the outlet passage, and a drain channel communicating with the inlet passage. The cartridge includes a closure member fastened to the end wall of the casing and adapted to close the drain channel when the cartridge is mounted on the support.