Filter Cartridge Keying for Engine Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtration systems for engines allow users to inadvertently mount filter cartridges that are unsuitable for the engine's specific requirements, potentially leading to malfunction or damage due to mismatched flow rates, pressure, and fluid nature.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating foolproofing means such as notches and protruding lugs on the threads of the filter cartridge and support, ensuring that only compatible cartridges can be mounted by hindering or preventing the assembly of unsuitable ones through a keying device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard threaded elements are used for mounting filter cartridges, then versatility and ease of manufacture are improved, but the risk of incorrect mounting increases leading to engine malfunction or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility of filter cartridgesVSAvoidcorrect mounting of filter cartridge
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric keying features (notches in the cartridge thread, protruding lugs on the engine block thread) that create a geometric mismatch between incompatible cartridges and engine blocks. This asymmetric design ensures that only cartridges with matching keying features can be mounted, preventing incorrect installations while maintaining a simple threaded mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If foolproofing means with notches and lugs are added to the threading system, then mounting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect mountingVSAvoidstructure of fixing members
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into two functional components: the standard threaded connection for securing the cartridge, and the separate keying features (notches and lugs) for compatibility verification. This segmentation allows the foolproofing mechanism to operate independently alongside the mounting function, adding reliability without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keying features (notches and lugs) are pre-configured on the cartridge and engine block respectively, performing a preliminary compatibility check before the actual mounting process. This preliminary action prevents incorrect cartridges from being installed in the first place, eliminating the need for complex verification procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1879676B1Filter cartridge and mounting system with keyed mounting means
Publication Date: 2012.01.11 FILTRAUTO
  • EP1879676B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1879676B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP1879676B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A filter cartridge comprising a first attachment member (25) and suitable for attachment to a predetermined holder (2) that includes a second attachment member (26) engageable with the first attachment member (25). The cartridge comprises foolproofing means (31) engageable with second foolproofing means (32) connected to the predetermined holder (2) when the cartridge is mounted on the holder. A system for mounting said cartridge on the predetermined holder is also disclosed.