Filter Element Positioning With Eccentric Drain-Closing Pin

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems require complex and costly positioning devices in the housing to guide and position the filter element, complicating their manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A filter system with a separate positioning means that uses an eccentric locking pin on the filter element to close a decentralized drain opening and a cylindrical positioning element with recesses to guide the element into place, ensuring proper alignment and sealing within the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a complex positioning device in the housing is used to guide and position the filter element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented from the housing structure and transferred to the filter element itself through the positioning projection. This separates the positioning responsibility from the housing, simplifying the housing design while maintaining precise positioning capability through the element's own geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the housing guide the filter element through complex guiding contours, the filter element is designed with an active positioning projection that positively engages with a simple recess in the housing. This inverts the traditional approach where the stationary component (housing) performs the guiding function, making the moving component (filter element) perform the positioning function instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If a complex positioning device in the housing is used to guide and position the filter element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented from the housing structure and transferred to the filter element itself through the positioning projection. This separates the positioning responsibility from the housing, simplifying the housing design while maintaining precise positioning capability through the element's own geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the housing guide the filter element through complex guiding contours, the filter element is designed with an active positioning projection that positively engages with a simple recess in the housing. This inverts the traditional approach where the stationary component (housing) performs the guiding function, making the moving component (filter element) perform the positioning function instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If an eccentric locking pin is used to close the drain opening, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and sealing functions are merged into a single eccentric locking pin mechanism. The pin simultaneously performs the locking action (preventing filter element removal) and the sealing action (closing the drain opening at the lowest point). This combines multiple functions into one component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric locking pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism to secure the filter element in place, and simultaneously functions as a sealing element to close the drain opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking and sealing components, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12564804B2Filter system, positioning mechanism, filter element and method for inserting and positioning a filter element

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 MAHLE INT GMBH

AI summary

A filter system may include a housing, a filter element, and a separate positioning mechanism. The housing may include an opening, a function carrier, a drain opening, and a radially protruding contour. The filter element may include a first end disc, a second end disk, and a filter material disposed between the first end disk and the second end disk. The first end disk may include at least one of a radially projecting contour and an inwardly projecting recess. The second end disk may include a central opening and an eccentrically projecting locking pin. The central opening may be adapted to interact with the function carrier. The positioning mechanism may have a body with a first recess and at least one second recess, which may be configured to facilitate positioning and aligning the filter element in the housing such that the locking pin engages in the drain opening.