Elastically Deformable Fluid Filter Housing with Snap-Action Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of reliable methods to ensure proper compression and secure attachment of fluid filters, such as oil filters, without causing damage due to over- or under-tightening, which can lead to leaks and engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using a flexible structure with bi-stability and non-linear elastic deformation that emits a sound or vibration when sufficient compression is reached, providing a tactile or audible indication of proper attachment without the need for torque tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If torque tools and measurement methods are used to ensure proper filter compression, then manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing itself serves as the indicator device through its elastic deformation properties. The housing deforms elastically during installation and provides visual indication of proper installation, eliminating the need for separate torque tools or measurement devices. The system uses its own structural properties to indicate installation status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indication through the deformation of the filter housing structure. The elastic deformation of the housing creates visible changes in the housing shape or position that indicate proper installation has been achieved, replacing complex measurement tools with simple visual cues.
2Ease of operation
If manual tightening methods are used, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing provides self-indicating functionality through its elastic deformation. As the housing is tightened, it deforms elastically and provides visual feedback about the installation status, allowing operators to achieve proper compression without specialized tools while maintaining consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the housing during installation creates detectable physical changes that provide feedback to the operator. This mechanical feedback mechanism allows simple manual operation while maintaining precision through the housing's inherent elastic properties.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show proper installation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing itself serves as the visual indicator through its elastic deformation properties. The housing's structural changes during installation provide the indication mechanism, eliminating the need for separate indicator components or complex signaling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indication through physical deformation of the housing structure. The elastic deformation creates visible changes in housing shape, position, or alignment that indicate proper installation, using the housing's own structural properties rather than added indicator components.
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
Ensures consistent and proper compression of fluid filters, preventing damage from over- or under-tightening and eliminating the need for complex torque measurement tools, making the installation process more straightforward and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
the material undergoes elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
have the material characteristic of bi-stability in two shapes or configurations
Implementation Method 3
emit a sound or vibration when a sufficient amount of force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a bottom assembly for interfacing to connect the bottom assembly to a second structure, having a deformable element that, when sufficient force is applied via the process of attaching the bottom assembly to the second structure, and at an appropriate value of axial compression or pressure, passes from a stable state, through a rapid shape transformation to a second state via a regime of reduced resistance to deformation, creating a tactile or audible indication that the apparatus has been properly installed. The deformable element may be joined to the apparatus using a circumferential insertion ring by friction fit or spring fit, may be inserted inwardly of a sealing surface and may adhere magnetically to the second structure to facilitate installation.