Filter System Cover Driving Contour for Tool-Free Element Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in reliably and efficiently replacing secondary filter elements, which can become heavily laden with dirt, leading to reduced air throughput and requiring additional tools for tightening and loosening, especially for larger elements.
Innovation Solution
A filter system design featuring a detachable cover with a driving contour that corresponds to the replaceable element, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without additional tools, ensuring secure sealing and easy torque application, even in vibrating environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary element is provided inside the filter element to keep the outlet closed during replacement, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the secondary element into a single integrated component. The secondary element is designed with a sealing surface that directly contacts the housing, merging the sealing function with the secondary element itself rather than using separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary element serves multiple functions: it maintains outlet closure during filter element replacement, provides sealing to prevent dirt penetration, and can be replaced when heavily laden with dirt. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Ease of operation
If separate tools are used to loosen and tighten elements, then ease of operation is improved for large elements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a driving contour directly into the cover structure. The cover includes a driving contour that corresponds to the driving contour of the replaceable element, allowing the cover itself to function as a tool for loosening and tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure provides self-service functionality by incorporating the driving contour needed for element replacement. The cover not only closes the housing but also serves as the tool required for its own operation, eliminating the need for external separate tools.
3Productivity
If the secondary element remains in the filter system after filter element replacement, then productivity is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary element is designed to remain in the system after filter element replacement, serving as a permanent component that maintains outlet closure. The system allows the secondary element to self-retain while providing a replacement mechanism for the filter element, maintaining productivity without requiring complete system disassembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The filter system (100) has a housing (108), a removable cover (110) which closes the housing, and an interchangeable element with a driving contour which is arranged within the housing. The cover has a driving tool on its outer side, where the driving tool corresponds with the driving contour of the interchangeable element. The driving tool is formed as a contour and as a depression or elevation in the cover. A secondary element is connected with the housing over a screw connection.