Filter Element Notch Design for Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in simplifying the exchange and correct installation of filter elements, particularly in tight spaces, due to clogging and the need for secure attachment in commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a filter bellows featuring notches at its ends, which interact with corresponding counter elements in the housing, allowing for frictional locking and unambiguous positioning, enabling easy exchange and secure installation without compromising the filter surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the filter element is designed with a long length to provide sufficient filtration surface area, then the filtration capacity is improved, but the ease of exchange and installation becomes more difficult in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple sections with notches that allow it to be flexibly positioned and installed in tight spaces while maintaining the required filtration surface area. The notches enable the filter to be bent or folded to fit into constrained installation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element utilizes three-dimensional positioning through notches that engage with corresponding features in the housing, allowing the long filter to be installed in complex orientations and tight spaces by transitioning from simple linear insertion to multi-dimensional constraint.
2Reliability
If the filter element is securely clamped in the housing to prevent movement, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of exchange deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into discrete notches rather than a continuous clamp, allowing the filter element to be quickly engaged and disengaged while maintaining secure attachment during operation. The notches provide defined positioning points that ensure reliable mounting without requiring complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are designed to automatically position and secure the filter element in the correct orientation upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment or adjustment. The filter element self-locates within the housing through the notch-engage ment mechanism, ensuring reliable attachment while simplifying the exchange process.
3Ease of operation
If the filter element allows flexible positioning for easy installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are asymmetrically positioned and shaped to provide unique engagement features that ensure the filter element can only be installed in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design guides the filter into precise positioning while maintaining ease of installation through the simple notch-engage ment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are pre-positioned on the filter element and correspond to pre-positioned features in the housing, ensuring that when the filter is inserted, it automatically assumes the correct position without requiring manual adjustment. The preliminary positioning features guide the installation process and ensure precise final positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for filtering a fluid has a filter bellows arranged about the longitudinal axis of the filter element and enclosing an interior of the filter element. A first end disk open toward the interior is arranged at a first end of the filter element. A second closed end disk is arranged at a second end of the filter element. The second end is oppositely positioned to the first end in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The filter bellows has folds with radially outer fold edges positioned on an outer circumferential surface of the filter bellows. The filter bellows is provided with a notch at least at one of the first and second ends. The notch has an axial length in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The axial length is shorter than a length extension of the filter bellows in the direction of the longitudinal axis.