Segmented Fuel Filter Bracket Resists Engine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large internal combustion engines experience vibrations that cause stress concentrations and failure of traditional fuel filter support brackets, leading to reduced filter efficiency and costly repairs, as these brackets are directly mounted on the engine and not designed for multi-compartment fuel filter assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a base plate mounted to the oil pan of the internal combustion engine, featuring multiple plates and ribs, along with mounting members and fasteners, which securely attaches the multi-compartment fuel filter assembly, providing structural rigidity and reducing the impact of engine vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support bracket is directly mounted on the internal combustion engine, then the fuel filter can be securely attached, but the bracket experiences high stress concentrations and fails due to engine vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple plates (base plate, first plate, second plate, third plate) connected by ribs, distributing stress across segmented structures rather than a single monolithic bracket, thereby reducing stress concentrations that lead to failure
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket employs a composite structure combining multiple plates and ribs formed as an integrated assembly, creating a composite structural system that enhances both strength and reliability while resisting vibration-induced stresses
2Device complexity
If the fuel filter is mounted directly on the engine, then the mounting structure is simple, but the filter efficiency reduces due to vibration-induced dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple plates and ribs that work together to provide stable support, preventing filter dislocation while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket extends in multiple spatial dimensions with plates positioned at predetermined distances and orientations, creating a three-dimensional stable support structure that prevents filter dislocation without excessive complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic bracket design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the bracket cannot withstand vibration stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as an integrated assembly of multiple plates and ribs that can be manufactured using additive manufacturing processes, combining structural complexity with manufacturing simplicity through single-step fabrication of the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing mounting surfaces, distributing stresses, preventing dislocation, and resisting vibrations - all within a single manufactured component, enhancing strength without compromising manufacturing ease
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting a multi-compartment fuel filter assembly to an internal combustion engine is provided. The bracket includes a base plate, a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, a plurality of mounting members, a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. The first plate and the second plate are coupled to the base plate, and are perpendicular to the base plate. The third plate is coupled to the first plate and is parallel to the base plate. The plurality of mounting members is coupled to the first plate and the first plurality of ribs is coupled to the base plate, the first plate and the third plate, and disposed perpendicular to the base plate. The second plurality of ribs is coupled to the base plate, the first plate, and the second plate, and disposed perpendicular to the base plate.