Forced-Induction Air Filter With Through-Body Clamp Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filters are difficult to install on turbochargers and superchargers without damaging them, due to space constraints and the need to expose the base for tightening, which can lead to improper installation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An air filter design featuring a proximal base with an inlet receiver, a clamp with a screw mechanism accessible through a conduit within the air filter, and a filter medium that includes a distal end cap to secure the air inlet without exposing the base during installation, allowing for easy tool access to tighten or loosen the clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional air filters are installed on turbochargers and superchargers, then the air filter can provide filtration, but the installation process requires exposing the base which can lead to damage and improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a longitudinal opening through the filter housing that provides access to the clamp mechanism from the side, rather than requiring access from the base. This dimensional change in access path allows installation without exposing the base, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tool access opening as an intermediary feature that allows installation tools to reach the clamp mechanism through the filter housing. This intermediary access point eliminates the need to expose the base while still enabling proper tightening, thus improving both ease of installation and installation reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the air filter base is exposed during installation to tighten the clamp, then the clamp can be secured, but the base is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a side access opening through the filter housing that allows tool access to the clamp mechanism from a different dimension, avoiding the need to expose the base. This maintains assembly ease while protecting base integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool access opening serves as an intermediary pathway that allows the installation tool to reach the clamp without requiring base exposure. This intermediary feature enables secure clamping while preserving base strength.
3Ease of operation
If a conduit is added to allow tool access through the filter, then clamp access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit opening serves multiple functions: it provides tool access to the clamp mechanism and also acts as part of the structural housing. This multi-functionality improves clamp accessibility while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is implemented as a simple opening or thin-walled passage through the filter housing, using the existing housing material rather than adding complex rigid structures. This approach improves accessibility while keeping the added complexity minimal.
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
Facilitates secure and damage-free installation of the air filter onto turbochargers and superchargers by allowing tool access through the conduit, preventing unfiltered air entry and enabling easy cleaning and reuse of the filter medium.
Implementation Method 1
A filter medium fastened to the proximal base is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminates from an incoming air stream
Implementation Method 2
A conduit within an interior cavity of the air filter is disposed between the first opening and the second opening, facilitating tightening and loosening the clamp by extending an appropriate tool through the interior cavity so as to engage the screw mechanism of the clamp. The conduit facilitates guiding the tool through the interior cavity to the screw mechanism while also serving to prevent unfiltered air from entering through the first opening and the second opening into the air inlet.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided for an air filter configured to be mounted onto air inlets of turbochargers and superchargers. The air filter comprises a proximal base including an inlet receiver configured to receive an air inlet, a clamp to secure the air inlet within the inlet receiver, and a first opening aligned with a screw mechanism of the clamp. A filter medium fastened to the proximal base is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminates from an incoming air stream. A distal end cap fastened to the filter medium comprises a second opening aligned with the first opening. A conduit within an interior cavity of the air filter is disposed between the first opening and the second opening, facilitating tightening and loosening the clamp by extending an appropriate tool through the interior cavity so as to engage the screw mechanism of the clamp.