Flow-through Fitting Filter Assembly Interference Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems in engine applications, particularly fuel systems, are prone to particle contamination, which can lead to clogging, performance issues, increased emissions, and costly repairs due to the difficulty in addressing particle contamination in high-pressure fuel lines, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through fitting and filter assembly that includes a fitting body with a cavity and a filter support with a filter element, where the filter support is designed to create an interference fit and fluid seal, allowing for easy installation and secure positioning within the fitting body, ensuring that all fluid flow passes through the filter element, preventing particle contamination from reaching the downstream system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed in a flow-through fitting to prevent particle contamination, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is merged with the flow-through fitting by integrating the filter support into the fitting body structure. The filter support includes a first end portion positioned adjacent the inner end of the cavity and a second end portion positioned adjacent the outer end, with the filter element mounted on the filter support. This integration allows the filter to be installed within the existing fitting structure without requiring separate mounting components, thereby improving system reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an interference fit is used to secure the filter in place, then filter positioning stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support is formed of a flexible material with sufficient resiliency to permit the outer end portion to flex radially inwardly upon insertion of the filter into the cavity and to flex radially outwardly to position the annular protrusion in the annular groove. This flexibility allows the interference fit to be achieved through elastic deformation during assembly rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby maintaining filter positioning stability while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the filter support is made flexible to enable easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support is formed of a flexible material with sufficient resiliency to permit the outer end portion to flex radially inwardly upon insertion of the filter into the cavity and to flex radially outwardly to position the annular protrusion in the annular groove. The material flexibility is carefully controlled to provide enough compliance for easy installation while maintaining sufficient structural strength to secure the filter element firmly in place and withstand operating pressures. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and structural strength.
4Reliability
If the annular protrusion is designed to engage the annular groove for securing the filter, then filter securing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support is divided into functional segments: a first end portion positioned adjacent the inner end of the cavity, a second end portion positioned adjacent the outer end, and an annular protrusion extending from the outer surface. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the first end portion provides support, the second end portion creates the interference fit, and the annular protrusion provides positive engagement with the annular groove. This segmented design improves filter securing reliability while keeping the overall structure simple and integrated within the fitting body.
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 assembly effectively prevents debris from entering the high-pressure fuel system, maintaining system performance and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for simple filter replacement and ensuring the filter is securely locked in place, thus preventing adverse effects such as clogging and performance deviations.
Implementation Method 1
The filter support may be formed of a flexible material with sufficient resiliency to permit the outer end portion to flex radially inwardly upon insertion of the filter into the cavity and to flex radially outwardly to position the annular protrusion in the annular groove.
Implementation Method 2
The second end portion includes an outer annular surface having an outer annular diameter greater than the inner annular diameter to create an interference fit and a fluid seal between the outer annular surface and the inner annular surface.
Implementation Method 3
a filter element mounted on, such as molded in/on, the filter support
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-through fitting and filter assembly is provided including a fitting body with a cavity, and a filter coupled to fitting body and positioned within the cavity. The filter includes a filter support and a filter element mounted on the filter support. A first end portion of the filter support is of a generally cylindrical cup shape including an outer annular wall in close sliding relationship the inner wall forming a fitting cavity to provide a guiding function while passages in the first end portion provide relief of fluid from the end of the cavity. A second end portion of the filter support includes an outer annular surface having an outer annular diameter greater than the inner annular diameter of the inner annular surface of the fitting body to create an interference fit and a fluid seal.