Filter Packaging Funnel for Residual Fluid Decanting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The replacement of fluid filter elements in engines often results in residual fluid spilling and contamination, as the used filter elements contain leftover oil or fuel, which is not disposed of properly, posing environmental risks.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system comprising a funnel and a stand that allows for the decanting of residual fluid from a used filter element into a new one without spilling, using a funnel with a connecting pipe section that seals into the new filter element's inlet, and a stand to maintain the filter element upright for filling, ensuring the fluid is contained and preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If residual fluid is decanted from used filter element during replacement, then the new filter element can be pre-filled, but fluid spilling and contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement efficiencyVSAvoidfluid contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging includes a funnel with a connecting pipe section that serves as an intermediary device between the used and new filter elements. This funnel provides a controlled transfer path for residual fluid, preventing direct spilling and contamination while enabling efficient decanting during filter replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure serves multiple functions: it protects the new filter element during transport, provides a funnel for controlled fluid transfer, and includes a stand for stable positioning. This multi-functionality enables clean and efficient filter replacement without requiring additional separate tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If used filter element with residual fluid is disposed of, then environmental risks are reduced, but proper disposal requires additional handling steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental riskVSAvoiddisposal process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging design extracts the fluid transfer function from the disposal process by providing a dedicated funnel with connecting pipe. This allows residual fluid to be removed and transferred to the new filter element separately, simplifying the disposal of the used filter element while minimizing environmental risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If manual decanting of residual fluid is performed without special tooling, then the process is simple, but fluid spilling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecanting simplicityVSAvoidfluid spilling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel with connecting pipe section acts as a simple intermediary tool that provides controlled fluid transfer. It maintains ease of operation by being integrated into the packaging and requiring no complex assembly, while simultaneously preventing fluid spilling through its designed connection interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure provides self-service functionality by including the funnel and stand as integral components. The user can perform clean decanting operations using the packaging itself without requiring external tooling or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3409617B1Packaging for a fluid filter element, packaging arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3409617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging (12) for a fluid filter element (14), preferably of the type employed in filtering oil or fuel, in particular for an automotive engine, comprising at least a first packaging part (16) and a second packaging part (18), wherein said first packaging part (16) and said second packaging part (18) can cooperate to define a receiving chamber (20) for receiving therein said fluid filter element (14), wherein the packaging (12), preferably the first packaging part (16), comprises or forms a funnel (26) for filling said fluid filter element (14) with fluid. The packaging (12) can serve both for a protection or the filter element (14) during transport and storage thereof and can be used for a facilitated and eco-friendly filter change as well as disposal of a used filter element (48). The invention further relates to a packaging arrangement as well as an improved method for replacing a used fluid filter element (49).