Fuel Filter Bowl Coupling Design Eliminating Nut Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems for fluids in internal combustion engines are complex and costly due to the use of nut plates for coupling filter heads and bowls, which increases manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly design featuring a housing with male and female threads that allows direct coupling of the bowl and filter head to the housing, eliminating the need for nut plates, and incorporating a first end cap with a flange and sealing member for a secure seal, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nut plates are used for coupling filter head and bowl to housing, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes nut plates from the filter assembly by integrating threaded features directly into the housing structure. The housing now includes internal threads formed as integral features, eliminating the need for separate nut plate components while maintaining the mechanical connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the housing and coupling mechanism into a single integrated structure. The threaded features are formed directly in the housing, merging the function of the housing with the function of the nut plates, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing.
2Strength
If nut plates are used for coupling, then mechanical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates nut plates from the assembly, removing the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble separate coupling components. The threaded features are formed directly in the housing during housing manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and coupling mechanism are merged into a single manufacturing process. By forming threaded features directly in the housing, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, eliminates secondary operations for installing nut plates, and lowers overall manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupling mechanism into the housing, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be assembled. This integration maintains assembly flexibility while significantly reducing assembly time by eliminating the step of installing separate nut plates.
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
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the number of parts, and lowers assembly costs while maintaining a secure seal, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the filtration system.
Implementation Method 1
A first end sealing member is positioned between an outer surface of the first end cap flange and an inner surface of the housing first end. The first end sealing member forms a seal between the housing and the first end cap.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel filter system that does not require the periodic draining of a water sump. The system includes a fuel tank for storing fuel and a fuel filter fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for separating water from the fuel. A fuel pump has a suction side and a high pressure side. The high pressure side of the fuel pump is fluidly coupled to the fuel filter for pumping fuel to the fuel filter. A water emulsifier, such as an orifice, is fluidly coupled to the fuel filter to receive water and fuel from the fuel filter and form a water-fuel emulsion. The water-fuel emulsion is supplied to any point in the system on the suction side of the fuel pump, such that the water-fuel emulsion passes through the fuel pump and fuel filter.