Filter Insert Automatic Aperture Closure Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines require manual intervention to close the drainage aperture during filter insert exchange, which is inefficient and may lead to messy operations.

Innovation Solution

A filter insert design with an actuation mechanism that allows the filter housing lid to automatically close the aperture during fastening, eliminating the need for separate technician intervention and ensuring secure, time-efficient operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to close the drainage aperture during filter insert exchange, then the aperture can be closed, but the operation becomes inefficient and messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter insert exchange operationVSAvoidtime required for aperture closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closing means is pre-positioned on the filter insert at a location that will automatically engage with the aperture when the filter insert is inserted into the filter housing. The actuation means is pre-configured to be contacted by the lid during lid attachment, triggering automatic closure of the aperture without requiring separate manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter insert design enables self-service operation where the closing means automatically closes the aperture itself through the actuation mechanism triggered by lid attachment. The system performs the aperture closure function autonomously as part of the normal filter replacement procedure, eliminating the need for technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If separate manual closure activity is required for the aperture, then closure can be achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture closure reliabilityVSAvoidfilter insert exchange efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture closure function is merged with the lid attachment operation. The actuation means is positioned such that the act of attaching the lid automatically triggers the closing means to close the aperture. This combines two operations (lid attachment and aperture closure) into a single integrated action, improving both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the actuation means is positioned for automatic lid-triggered closure, then operational efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter insert exchange speedVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the closing means at the first end of the filter insert, the actuation means at the second end, and the lid with complimentary shaped contact means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve automatic aperture closure, managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10874959B2Filter insert and a filter arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A filter insert for being removably arranged in a filter housing defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end, including a closing arrangement at the first end of the filter insert for controlling opening and closing, respectively, of an aperture, and an actuation arrangement operatively connected to the closing arrangement for actuating the closing arrangement, wherein the actuation arrangement is positioned at the second end of the filter insert and wherein the actuation arrangement is accessible for external contact at the second end of the filter insert.