Filter Housing Intermediate Cover for Compact Clean Fluid Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines require complex drainage systems to connect fluid outlets between the centrifuge and filter insert, increasing production and installation complexity and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an intermediate cover that forms part of the clean fluid channel, connecting the filter insert and filter housing outlets, eliminating the need for separate drainage systems within the filter housing and allowing for axial arrangement and plug-in connections of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate drainage system is used to connect fluid outlets in the filter housing, then fluid flow connection is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow connectionVSAvoiddrainage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate cover integrates multiple functions: it separates the filter insert and centrifugal separator, provides bearing support, and forms the clean fluid channel with its separating sections. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for separate drainage systems while maintaining reliable fluid flow connection between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate drainage system is used to connect fluid outlets, then fluid flow connection is achieved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow connectionVSAvoidfilter housing space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clean fluid channel is integrated into the intermediate cover structure itself through the clean fluid channel-forming separating sections. This eliminates the need for additional separate drainage pipes or channels in the filter housing, thereby reducing the overall installation space while ensuring proper fluid flow connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex drainage systems are used, then fluid outlets are connected, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid outlet connectionVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate cover is designed as an integrated component that combines the separation function, bearing support, and clean fluid channel formation. This reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying production processes while ensuring reliable connection of fluid outlets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a separator between filter and centrifuge, provides bearing support, and forms the clean fluid channel. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable fluid outlet connections.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces complexity and space requirements by integrating fluid channels within the intermediate cover, facilitating easier assembly and reducing the need for additional drainage systems, while ensuring reliable fluid flow and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate cover at least co-forms at least one clean fluid channel, which is or can be arranged as a fluidic connection between a clean fluid side of the at least one filter insert and at least one fluid outlet of the filter housing for cleaned clean fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a device for separating contaminants from the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, particularly in a motor vehicle... comprising a filter insert, a centrifuge which can be driven by means of flowing lubricating oil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3793707B1Filter with a filter housing and an intermediate cover
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3793707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3793707B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3793707B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an intermediate cover (28) of a filter housing (12) of a filter (10) for purifying liquid fluids and a filter insert (22). The intermediate cover (28) is designed to separate a filter receiving space (20) for at least one filter insert (22) from a centrifuge receiving space (24) for at least one centrifuge separator (26) by means of a rotary and/or insertion movement with respect to an imaginary axis (18) inside a filter housing (12). The intermediate cover (28) has at least one unfiltered fluid channel (92) which is arranged as a fluidic connection between at least one fluid inlet (30) of the filter housing (12) for the unfiltered fluid to be purified and at least one centrifuge inlet (70) of the at least one centrifuge separator (26). The intermediate cover (28) forms at least one clean fluid channel (96) which is arranged as a fluidic connection between a clean fluid side of the at least one filter insert (22) and at least one fluid outlet (32) of the filter housing (12) for purified clean fluid.