Filter Element Transverse Retaining Surfaces for Positioning Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for internal combustion engines face challenges in secure and simplified installation and positioning within filter housings, particularly due to the lack of effective guidance mechanisms that can accommodate various orientations and sizes of filter elements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of transverse retaining surfaces on filter elements that are separate from longitudinal retaining surfaces, allowing for contact with corresponding mating surfaces on the filter housing to provide support in multiple directions, including radially and transversely, thereby enabling stable and tolerant positioning and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If only longitudinal retaining surfaces are used, then the filter element can be retained axially, but the filter element cannot be securely positioned and is prone to tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining surface is segmented into multiple independent retaining configurations (at least two retaining configurations) that are distributed across the filter element. Each retaining configuration can engage with corresponding mating surfaces on the filter housing at different locations, providing multiple support points that prevent tilting while maintaining axial retention. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stable positioning without requiring a single complex retaining structure.
2Reliability
If multiple retaining configurations are provided, then the filter element can be securely positioned and tilted prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each retaining configuration is designed to serve multiple functions: they provide axial retention, prevent tilting, and guide the filter element during installation. The retaining configurations are integrated into the filter element structure in a way that allows them to perform these functions simultaneously without requiring separate components. This multi-functionality approach increases reliability while minimizing the actual complexity increase.
3Reliability
If the filter element is made larger to provide more retaining surfaces, then the retention capability improves, but the filter element becomes more difficult to install and position
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining surfaces are segmented into multiple discrete retaining configurations distributed across the filter element rather than forming a single large continuous surface. This segmentation allows the filter element to maintain adequate retention capability while keeping each individual retaining configuration compact and manageable during installation. The distributed nature of the retaining configurations provides multiple small engagement points that are easier to align and install than a single large retaining structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element (10) is provided with open filter body (16) of a filter medium (18). The filter element (10) has at least one longitudinal mating surface (40) which is directed with at least one direction component axially to an element axis (14) of the filter element (10) and which is in contact with a corresponding longitudinal mating surface of the filter housing (11) for securing the filter element (10) axially to the element axis (14). The filter element (10) has at least one transverse retaining surface (52) which is directed with at least one direction component across the element axis (14). The transverse retaining surface (52) is separated from the at least one longitudinal retaining surface (40) and may be in contact with a corresponding transverse mating surface (56) of the filter housing (11) for securing the filter element (10) across the element axis (14).