Fluid Pouring Tool for Spin-On Filter Pre-Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter cartridge assemblies in internal combustion engines are difficult to pre-fill due to the small size and proximity of input port holes, leading to potential contamination of the engine's fluid delivery system when using conventional pouring methods, as mechanics often inadvertently fill the output port, risking spills and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A specialized fluid pouring tool with an annular funnel arrangement and polarly oriented holes that directs fluid only to the input port holes, featuring a center conical section to center and block the output port, and optional elastomeric seals to prevent fluid from entering the output port, ensuring efficient and controlled pre-filling across various filter sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pouring methods are used to pre-fill filter cartridges, then the process is simple and quick, but fluid spills into the output port causing contamination of the engine's fluid delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is segmented into multiple pouring openings (first pouring opening aligned with input port, second pouring opening aligned with output port) that direct fluid flow to specific locations. This segmentation allows fluid to be directed only to the input port while blocking the output port, preventing contamination while maintaining efficient pre-filling
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel acts as an intermediary device between the fluid source and the filter cartridge ports. It mediates the fluid flow by directing it through specific pathways (first pouring opening to input port) while preventing direct access to the output port, thus eliminating contamination risk without requiring manual port identification
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the output port is blocked with a cap or plug to prevent contamination, then fluid contamination is prevented, but it becomes difficult to direct fluid into the small input port holes without spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel provides separate pouring openings for different ports: the first pouring opening directs fluid to input ports while the second pouring opening (blocked by the blocking member) prevents output port contamination. This segmentation eliminates the need to manually block ports while maintaining precise fluid direction to small input ports
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is pre-installed in the second pouring opening before the pre-filling operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the output port is already protected against contamination, allowing the operator to focus solely on directing fluid through the first pouring opening to the input ports without worrying about spills
3Device complexity
If typical conical funnels are used, then they are simple in design, but they are either too small to flow efficiently or too large to fit the filter input port holes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large conical funnel that is too big for small input ports, the invention segments the funnel into multiple smaller pouring openings. Each opening is appropriately sized to match the input port holes, allowing efficient fluid flow into each port while maintaining an overall simple funnel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel is designed with different local characteristics: the first pouring opening has specific dimensions optimized for directing fluid to input ports, while the second pouring opening is configured for output port blocking. This local differentiation allows the single funnel to efficiently serve both ports with appropriate geometries for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus that makes it possible to prefill spin-on filter cartridges by allowing users to easily pour fluid only into the filter cartridge input port holes. Particularly useful for applications where introducing contaminants downstream of the filter can be detrimental to the system the filter protects.