Powerplant Filter Mount With Pilot Alignment Against Cross-Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter mounting arrangements in powerplant fluid systems are in need of improvement for better efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter assembly with a filter housing and mount design featuring a pilot and attachment structure, including a cylindrical external surface and external threaded section, which facilitates secure and centered attachment to powerplant components, minimizing cross-threading and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter mounting arrangement uses a threaded attachment structure, then the filter can be securely attached to the powerplant component, but cross-threading may occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot structure performs a preliminary alignment function before the threaded attachment engages. The pilot's cylindrical external surface is inserted into the corresponding recess with cylindrical internal surface, establishing proper angular and positional alignment of the filter housing relative to the powerplant component. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the external threaded section engages with the internal threaded section, the threads are properly oriented and cross-threading is prevented.
2Device complexity
If the filter housing uses a simple mounting structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and precision of attachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into three distinct functional elements: (1) the pilot structure with cylindrical external surface for alignment, (2) the attachment structure with external threaded section for secure fastening, and (3) the flange structure for additional support and positioning. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and attachment stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pilot axial length is increased relative to the attachment, then alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies that the axial length of the pilot is greater than the axial length of the attachment, creating an optimized geometric parameter relationship. This parameter change ensures that the pilot extends sufficiently to provide accurate alignment engagement with the powerplant component recess before the threaded attachment engages. The specific dimensional relationship (pilot axial length > attachment axial length) provides the necessary alignment precision while remaining manufacturable using standard machining processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a powerplant. This powerplant apparatus includes a fluid filter assembly with a filter housing. The filter housing extends axially along an axis between a housing first end and a housing second end. The filter housing includes a mount and a sidewall. The mount is connected to the sidewall. The mount includes a flange, an attachment and a pilot. The flange projects radially out from the sidewall and the attachment to a flange distal outer end. The attachment extends axially between the flange and the pilot. The attachment is configured with an external threaded section. The pilot projects axially out from the attachment to the housing first end. The pilot includes a cylindrical external surface located radially inboard of the external threaded section. An axial length of the pilot is greater than an axial length of the attachment.