Integrated Filter Cooler Mounting for Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cooler systems for motor vehicles face challenges in facilitating easy mounting and secure attachment of air filter assemblies to cooler assemblies, which can be damaged by debris and require modifications to the air duct for filter presence or absence.
Innovation Solution
A filter cooler system comprising a cooler assembly, a filter assembly with a permanently affixed flat pleated filter element, and an air duct, all jointly secured to common mounting tabs, allowing for secure and adaptable mounting without altering the vehicle's insurance classification, with the filter element protecting the cooler assembly from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is added to the cooler assembly, then the filtration capability is improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter assembly and cooler assembly into a single integrated filter cooler system that mounts to the vehicle body as one unit. The filter assembly includes a filter element housed in a filter housing with mounting brackets that directly interface with the cooler assembly's mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing overall mounting complexity while maintaining filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets and housing structure serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for both the filter element and cooler assembly, enable secure attachment to the vehicle body, and facilitate easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall mounting process.
2Device complexity
If the cooler assembly is exposed without a filter, then the structure is simpler, but the cooler assembly is vulnerable to damage from debris
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is positioned upstream of the cooler assembly in the airflow path, performing preliminary filtration of airborne particles and debris before the air reaches the cooler. This preliminary action protects the cooler assembly from damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element acts as an intermediary component between the external environment and the cooler assembly. It intercepts and removes harmful particles from the airflow, preventing them from reaching and damaging the cooler assembly, while the integrated housing maintains structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the filter assembly is permanently fixed to the cooler assembly, then the mounting security is improved, but the adaptability for different vehicle configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly and cooler assembly are designed as separable units that can be mounted together or independently. The mounting brackets are designed to attach to the vehicle body structure, allowing the filter assembly to be securely fixed when needed while enabling easy removal or reconfiguration for different vehicle applications or maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and removable features that allow the configuration to change based on requirements. The filter assembly can be securely mounted for production vehicles requiring filtration, but can also be easily removed or repositioned for vehicles where filtration is not needed or for maintenance purposes, providing dynamic adaptability.
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
The solution enables secure and efficient mounting of the filter cooler system, reducing the risk of damage during accidents and allowing for easy adaptation to vehicles with or without the filter assembly, enhancing the protection and efficiency of both the filter and cooler components.
Implementation Method 1
the filter element may remove dust particles from the ambient air
Implementation Method 2
Cooling liquid for an engine of the vehicle may be fed through the liquid cooler
Implementation Method 3
The cooler assembly may comprise a liquid cooler and a fan
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention refers to a filter cooler system comprising a cooler assembly, a filter assembly and an air duct. These components are jointly mounted to at least one mounting tab. The filter assembly is held clamped between the at least one mounting tab and the air duct. The cooler assembly may engage around the at least one mounting tab. A snap fit between the filter assembly and the cooler assembly may be provided.