Fluid Filter Removal Device with Hydraulic Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and fuel filter removal tools often result in spillage of contaminated liquids during filter replacement, leading to environmental contamination, user exposure, and increased cleanup costs, especially when filters are difficult to access.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter removal device with a catch that circumscribes the filter casing, a filter spacer for maintaining separation, and a hydraulically sealed fluid filter sheath to contain and manually remove filters, minimizing spillage and facilitating safe disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a catch pan is placed on the ground to collect spilled liquid, then liquid collection is enabled, but the liquid often misses the pan and lands on nearby ground or vehicle parts
Solution Approach 1:
The device nests multiple containment structures within each other: the catch pan forms an outer containment boundary, while the bellows structure nests inside it to provide secondary containment and active collection during filter removal, ensuring liquid is captured regardless of spill trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure acts as an intermediary between the filter and the catch pan, providing a flexible barrier that directs liquid into the pan while allowing the filter to be manipulated during removal. The bellows compresses to seal against the pan, ensuring liquid remains contained within the tool assembly
2Reliability
If the liquid filter is located in a difficult to reach region, then filtration function is maintained, but filter removal becomes more challenging and increases spillage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the catch pan boundary in multiple spatial dimensions to create a three-dimensional containment zone around the filter location. This allows the pan to reach into difficult-to-access regions while maintaining liquid containment, effectively bringing the collection capability to the filter rather than requiring the filter to be accessible from above
3Device complexity
If traditional filter removal methods are used, then filter replacement is simple, but contaminated liquid spills on chassis, undercarriage, ground, and user
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the catch pan function with the filter removal tool into a single integrated assembly. The bellows structure combines the functions of a barrier, a collection mechanism, and a sealing element, eliminating the need for separate containment equipment while preventing liquid spillage during filter removal
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 device effectively contains and transports spilled fluids, reducing environmental contamination and user exposure while simplifying the filter removal process, even for hard-to-reach filters.
Implementation Method 1
a filter spacer configured to maintain a minimum separation between the casing outer surface and the catch inner surface when the fluid filter is in an in-use condition
Implementation Method 2
a fluid filter sheath fixed and hydraulically sealed to the catch proximate the filter exit end of the catch. The fluid filter sheath is effectively impervious to fluids contained in the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filter removal device includes a fluid catch configured to circumscribe an outer surface of a fluid filter, a filter spacer configured to maintain a minimum separation between the outer surface of the fluid filter and an inner surface of the fluid catch when at least a portion of the fluid filter is circumscribed by the fluid catch, and a fluid filter sheath, fixed and hydraulically sealed to the fluid catch proximate the filter exit end of the fluid catch. The fluid filter removal device provides a device and method for removal of oil or fuel filters, and to contain contaminated fluids, on automotive, heavy and other types of equipment to eliminate contamination to the environment as well as contamination to vehicles and users changing a fluid filter.