Fuel Cell Air Filter Housing Lid for Debris-Free Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel cell systems in vehicles are sensitive to debris in the air entering the second side, which can reduce their functional operation, and there is a need for an improved air filter system to minimize debris entry during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An air filter system with an elongated filter housing and a tube-shaped air filter element, featuring a lid attachable to the second axial housing end after filter element removal, allowing for cleaning of the filter housing to prevent debris entry into the fuel cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the air filter element is removed from the filter housing during maintenance, then the air filter element can be replaced, but dust particles can enter the air inlet of the fuel cell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter replacementVSAvoiddust particle entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to be attachable to the second axial housing end of the filter housing before the air filter element is removed. This preliminary action of closing the housing with the lid prevents dust particles from entering the air inlet during the filter replacement process, thereby solving the contradiction between ease of repair and prevention of harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If the filter housing is opened for filter element replacement, then maintenance can be performed, but debris can contaminate the interior of the filter housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidfuel cell operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is attached to the second axial housing end before filter element removal, creating a protective barrier that prevents debris from contaminating the interior of the filter housing during maintenance operations. This ensures that when the housing is opened for maintenance, the interior remains protected from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lid acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the interior of the filter housing. It provides a physical barrier that mediates the interaction between external debris and the internal components, preventing contamination while allowing controlled access for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no lid is attached to the second axial housing end, then the structure remains simple, but the fuel cell air inlet is exposed to dust particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structureVSAvoiddust particle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to be attachable to the second axial housing end in a preliminary manner, providing protection against dust particles. This simple additive component effectively prevents contamination without significantly increasing device complexity, as it can be attached or removed as needed during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4469179B1An air filter system

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an air filter system comprising an elongated filter housing, a tube shaped air filter element, and a lid connectable to a second axial housing end of the filter housing upon removal of the air filter element from the filter housing.