Fluid Filter Cartridge Pin Alignment for Fail-Safe Housing Assembly

The patent employs asymmetric features (pins with specific orientations, non-circular cross-sections, or keyed structures) on the first article and corresponding asymmetric receptacles on the second article. These asymmetric elements allow the components to be mounted only in the correct azimuthal orientation, ensuring predefined orientation precision while maintaining simple manufacturing processes. The asymmetric geometry inherently prevents incorrect assembly without requiring complex additional mounting structures.

The mounting structure is divided into separate, simple elements: a first article with a basic mounting feature and a second article with a corresponding receptacle. Rather than using a single complex integrated mounting structure, the patent segments the orientation-control function into discrete, manufacturable components that can be produced using standard processes, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required precision.

The patent incorporates asymmetric mounting features directly into the simple manufacturing design of the filter cartridge and housing. For example, a pin with a specific angular orientation on the cartridge corresponds to a keyed receptacle in the housing, ensuring that during assembly, the components automatically achieve the required predefined azimuthal orientation. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while embedding the orientation control function within the basic component geometry.

The mounting features are pre-configured during the manufacturing of individual components with the correct geometric relationships established beforehand. The pins, recesses, or keyed features are formed during component fabrication with precise angular relationships, so that when the components are assembled, the predefined azimuthal orientation is automatically achieved without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional adjustment steps.