Fuel Filter Element Central Fluid Line Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filters face issues with air bubbles entering the internal combustion engine due to ventilation nozzles, leading to fuel volume flow loss and increased resistance, which can result in costly manufacturing and clogging risks.
Innovation Solution
A filter element design with a centrally arranged fluid line connected to an end plate, allowing for secure disassembly and integration of a non-return valve, which reduces fuel loss and air entry by venting through the filter element itself, eliminating the need for additional ventilation channels and minimizing part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ventilation nozzle with a large bore diameter is provided to vent air bubbles, then air venting function is improved, but fuel volume flow loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large ventilation bore into multiple smaller bores (first ventilation bore and second ventilation bore) arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the total venting area to be sufficient for air bubble removal while each individual bore remains small enough to minimize fuel flow loss and reduce clogging risk.
2Loss of substance
If the diameter of a single ventilation bore is reduced to minimize fuel loss, then fuel volume flow loss is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases and clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large bore, the patent employs multiple smaller bores that collectively provide the necessary venting area. This approach reduces the diameter of individual bores (minimizing fuel loss) while maintaining manufacturability and reducing clogging risk through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the distribution and size of individual bores within the ventilation nozzle, creating different local characteristics (different bore sizes or positions) to balance fuel flow loss, manufacturing ease, and clogging resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single large ventilation bore is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but fuel flow loss increases and clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation function is segmented into multiple bores rather than one large bore. This maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing fuel flow loss through the smaller individual bore diameters.
4Reliability
If air bubbles are vented through a separate ventilation system, then air removal is effective, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ventilation function directly into the filter element structure by integrating the ventilation bores into the housing. This eliminates the need for separate ventilation channels or components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective air bubble removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element housing serves multiple functions: filtration and ventilation. The ventilation bores are integrated into the same structure that houses the filter cartridge, making the housing a multi-functional component that performs both filtration support and air venting.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter element (10) having a first fluid path (12) on a raw side (60) for filtering a first fluid (64) and a second fluid path (14) having a fluid line (16) on a clean side (62) for carrying a second fluid (66). The filter element (10) is provided at least on one side with a first end plate (20). Here, the fluid line (16) is arranged in the central inner region (36) of the filter element (10) and connected with the end plate (20) for joint disassembly, especially securely connected to the filter element. The invention further relates to a filter system (100) including such a filter element (10).