Flexible Fastening Module for Arched Filter Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for filter systems in vehicles face challenges in securely connecting to arched connecting surfaces with openings, particularly in compensating for manufacturing tolerances and maintaining a seal under varying surface curvatures.
Innovation Solution
A fastening module with a connecting housing and flexible channel pieces that can bend or twist to adapt to the arched connecting surface, featuring axial or radial sealing mechanisms to ensure a secure and reliable connection, allowing for independent flexibility of connecting flanges to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and surface curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid channel pieces are used to connect filter system to arched surface, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to surface curvature and manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure is divided into multiple rigid channel pieces that are connected through flexible connecting regions. Each rigid channel piece maintains structural stability, while the flexible connecting regions between them provide adaptability to arched surfaces and manufacturing tolerances. This segmentation allows the system to combine rigidity where needed with flexibility at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting regions between rigid channel pieces are designed to be flexible and deformable, allowing the overall structure to dynamically adapt to curved surfaces and tolerance variations during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the rigid channel pieces to maintain their shape while the connecting regions adjust to match the arched connecting surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible connecting regions are used to adapt to arched surface, then adaptability to manufacturing tolerances is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure is segmented into rigid channel pieces with flexible connecting regions between them. The rigid pieces maintain structural strength and rigidity where needed, while the flexible connecting regions provide adaptability to manufacturing tolerances and surface curvature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the channel structure have different mechanical properties: the channel pieces themselves are rigid to maintain structural integrity and fluid flow characteristics, while the connecting regions are flexible to accommodate tolerances and curvature. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to have both rigidity and flexibility in appropriate locations.
3Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to ensure seal-tight connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting regions incorporate flexible membrane-like structures that can deform to conform to the arched connecting surface and maintain seal-tight connections. These flexible thin film structures provide reliable sealing through their ability to adapt to surface irregularities and curvature without requiring complex multi-component sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connecting regions automatically adapt to the arched surface geometry and manufacturing tolerances during assembly, creating their own sealing action through deformation. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for additional complex sealing components, adjustment mechanisms, or precision alignment procedures.
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
The solution enables a simple, reliable, and secure connection of filter systems to arched surfaces, reducing the need for precise shape matching and maintaining a stable seal under operational loads, while allowing for flexible assembly and adaptation to manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the rigid individual channel pieces are connected by flexible connecting regions with each other and/or with the connecting housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening module for connecting a filter system to an arched connecting surface with openings for a fluid has a connecting housing connectable in fluid communication to the filter system. Rigid individual channel pieces are arranged in the connecting housing and channels extend in the channel pieces. The channels correspond with the openings in the arched connecting surface. The channel pieces have connecting flanges to be connected to the openings in the arched connecting surface. The channel pieces are connected by flexible connecting regions with each other; with the connecting housing; or with each other and with the connecting housing. The fastening module is connected in fluid communication to the inlet region or outlet region of the filter system. A filter module for the filter system has substantially free intake across its cross section and enables an intake manifold-type distribution of a volume flow passing through the filter element.