Filter Element Bayonet Connection Asymmetric Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fuel supply systems face challenges in providing a robust and secure keyed connection between filter bowls and headers to withstand vibrations, shocks, and high internal pressures while ensuring correct mating and filtration characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a first end cap and ring of filter media, featuring radially extending lugs and latch fingers, forms a bayonet connection with complementary structures on the filter bowl and header, ensuring a secure and durable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional threaded or bayonet connector system is used to retain the filter element, then the connection can withstand vibration and shock, but the connection may not provide sufficient security against high internal pressure and incorrect mating
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element employs asymmetric key features including a keyway positioned at a specific angular location and keys with different lengths and positions on the filter bowl and header. This asymmetric configuration ensures that only the correct filter element can be properly installed, preventing incorrect mating while maintaining connection security against high internal pressure and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element incorporates a nested structure where the filter element is retained within the filter bowl, which itself is connected to the filter header through the bayonet connector system. The key features are nested within the rotational engagement mechanism, creating a multi-layered secure connection that addresses both vibration resistance and pressure containment.
2Manufacturing precision
If a keyed mating system with multiple components is implemented to ensure correct component assembly, then mating accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed mating system uses asymmetric key features with specific angular positioning and varying key lengths to ensure correct component assembly. The keyway and keys are positioned at unique locations that provide unambiguous mating accuracy while being manufacturable using standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet connector system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the filter element, ensures correct angular orientation through asymmetric keys, contains high internal pressure through the rotational lock, and prevents incorrect assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If the filter assembly is designed to accommodate increasing fuel flow volumes, then the system capacity is improved, but the connection structures must withstand higher forces and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The nested structure of the filter element within the filter bowl, secured by the bayonet connector system, distributes the forces from high fuel flow volumes across multiple engagement points. The rotational bayonet connection provides mechanical advantage that allows the assembly to withstand higher forces and pressures associated with increased fuel flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly utilizes composite construction with the filter element, filter bowl, and filter header made from materials selected to withstand high internal pressures and forces. The combination of these materials in the nested bayonet connector system provides the necessary strength to accommodate increasing fuel flow volumes while maintaining connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element has a first end cap and a ring of filter media. The first end cap includes structures projecting from the periphery to form a keyed connection with a filter bowl and filter head. Some of the projections are fixed lugs, while other projections are latch fingers arranged to move in an axial direction during mounting and dismounting of the filter assembly components. The filter element first end cap is configured to mate with the upper end of a filter bowl to form an element/bowl assembly. The mated structures of the element and bowl form the male part of a bayonet connection. The filter head defines a corresponding female bayonet connector part. The latch fingers retain the element to the bowl and the assembled element and bowl to the filter head.