Fuel Filter Bracket with Insulated Heating Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filter heating arrangements, such as those described in US 4,596,224, face inefficiencies in heating performance and functionality, particularly in preventing fuel filter clogging due to solidified grease at low ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A bracket arrangement with an elongated bracket, a flexible heating layer, and a heat insulating layer, where the heat insulating layer is adhesively sandwiched between the bracket and the flexible heating layer, providing uniform heating around the fuel filter while minimizing heat dissipation to the environment, using a silicone-based heater element with electrical wiring and a thermostat for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fuel filter heater is arranged at the inlet of the fuel filter to heat the fuel before delivery, then the heating function is provided, but the heating performance and functionality need further improvements
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the heating element and the external environment. This layer prevents heat loss to the surroundings, ensuring that more heat is retained within the fuel filter, thereby improving heating performance and reliability without increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The heating arrangement uses a composite structure combining a flexible heating layer with a thermal insulating layer. This composite design allows the system to provide effective heating while maintaining flexibility for installation and reducing heat dissipation, thus improving overall heating reliability
2Temperature
If the ambient temperature of the fuel filter is below a predetermined limit, then the inherent grease within the fuel solidifies, but this causes the fuel filter to be clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated to pre-heat the fuel filter before fuel with solidified grease enters. By maintaining the fuel filter temperature above the solidification point of grease in advance, the system prevents clogging before it occurs, ensuring continuous reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulating layer acts as a mediator that traps heat within the fuel filter, creating a thermal barrier that prevents heat loss to the cold ambient environment. This ensures the fuel filter maintains sufficient temperature to prevent grease solidification and clogging
3Temperature
If a heating layer is used to heat the fuel filter, then heating is provided, but heat dissipates to the environment reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulating layer is positioned between the heating element and the external environment to act as a heat barrier. This intermediary layer significantly reduces heat dissipation to the surroundings, improving heating efficiency by directing more heat energy to the fuel filter
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of flexible heating material and thermal insulating material creates a composite structure that minimizes heat loss. This composite design maintains effective heating while reducing energy waste, thereby improving overall system efficiency
4Device complexity
If the flexible heating layer is used without a heat insulating layer, then the structure is simpler, but power consumption increases due to heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulating layer is introduced as a simple intermediary component between the heating element and the environment. This addition minimizes heat loss without significantly complicating the overall structure, achieving a balance between simplicity and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of flexible heating layer plus thermal insulating layer provides an effective solution that maintains relatively simple construction while dramatically reducing power consumption through minimized heat dissipation
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 solution ensures continuous, efficient heating of the fuel filter, reducing the risk of clogging and power consumption, and is suitable for various fuel flow-through components, including oil filters and urea pump modules, without direct contact with the fuel, thus extending the filter's lifespan and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible heating layer (202) connected to the inner surface (112) of the elongated bracket (104), the flexible heating layer (202) comprising integrated electrical heating means for heating the fuel filter
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulating layer (302) sandwiched between the inner surface (112) of the elongated bracket (104) and the flexible heating layer (202)
Implementation Method 3
the heat insulating layer (302) is adhesively sandwiched between the inner surface (112) of the elongated bracket (104) and the flexible heating layer (202)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bracket arrangement for supporting a vehicle component, said bracket arrangement comprising an elongated bracket comprising a bracket surface, said bracket surface extending in a first, axial direction and in an second, at least partially circumferential direction, wherein said bracket surface comprises an inner surface arranged to face and at least partially enclose said vehicle component; a flexible heating layer connected to the inner surface of the elongated bracket, said flexible heating layer comprising integrated electrical heating means for heating the vehicle component; and a heat insulating layer sandwiched between the inner surface of the elongated bracket and the flexible heating layer.