Vehicle Filter Element Mounting With L-Shaped Groove Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for motor vehicles face challenges in securely and easily exchanging filter elements, particularly due to vibrations and pressure pulses, while ensuring the correct filter element is positioned for the application situation.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a filter element and frame, featuring engagement elements that fit into grooved counter elements in the filter housing, allowing for form-fit connections and easy mounting, including insertion and blocking sections, which provide secure fastening and various mounting options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional engagement elements like screws or clips are used to secure filter elements, then the filter element can be fixed in the filter housing, but the mounting and exchange process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement counter element is segmented into two distinct sections: an insertion section with a first orientation and a blocking section with a second orientation. This segmentation allows the mounting process to be divided into two simple sequential actions (insertion along the first orientation, then blocking in the second orientation), making the operation easier while maintaining secure fixation without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex multi-step fastening mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple L-shaped groove structure where the filter element itself performs the engagement actions. The engagement element is inserted in one direction and then blocked by the perpendicular section, reversing the traditional approach where complex mechanisms actively secure the filter
2Reliability
If simple engagement elements are used for easy filter exchange, then mounting becomes simple, but the filter element may not be securely fixed against vibrations and pressure pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement counter element is divided into an insertion section and a blocking section oriented at different angles. The insertion section allows easy insertion along its orientation, while the blocking section provides secure fixation by preventing removal through its perpendicular orientation, thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation through structural segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped geometry of the engagement counter element creates a corner configuration where the two sections meet at approximately 90 degrees. This angular configuration provides mechanical advantage by allowing insertion in one direction while blocking removal in the opposite direction, ensuring secure fixation without complicating the mounting process
3Reliability
If engagement elements are designed for secure fastening against vibrations, then fixation reliability improves, but the mounting process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the engagement counter element into insertion and blocking sections with different orientations, the invention enables a two-step mounting process that is both quick and reliable. The first section allows rapid insertion, and the second section automatically provides vibration resistance, reducing overall mounting time while ensuring secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element structure is designed to automatically perform the securing function during the insertion process itself. As the engagement element is inserted along the first orientation and then blocked by the second orientation, the structure self-secures the filter element without requiring additional fastening actions, tools, or time-consuming operations
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device has a filter element with filter medium body and surrounding frame with opposed lateral faces. A filter housing has opposed wall sections with two engagement counter elements for form fit engagement of an engagement element, respectively. The engagement counter elements are grooves in the wall sections with an insertion section and a blocking section connected to the insertion section and angled thereto. The insertion section permits insertion of the engagement element along a flow direction through the filter element. When mounted, the engagement element is arranged at one of the lateral frame faces, extends away from the filter medium body, and is held in the blocking section. Two of the engagement elements are connected by a connection piece. A vehicle with such a filter device, a set of filter element and engagement elements, and a method for mounting the filter element with engagement elements are provided.