Fuel Filter Curved Surface Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fuel filters in internal combustion engines can be challenging, leading to potential damage during the process due to misalignment, excessive rotational torque, and improper sealing, which may result in costly repairs and engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filter design featuring a center stack with a curved surface that engages with a sword to facilitate proper alignment and rotation, ensuring the pin is correctly positioned within its channel during installation, thereby reducing the risk of damage and ensuring secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spherical ramp is used to align the pin with the channel during filter installation, then the pin can be positioned correctly in the channel, but excessive rotational torque is imparted to the filter which can damage the pin or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spherical ramp with a curved surface that has a controlled radius of curvature. This curved surface guides the pin into the channel while limiting the maximum rotational torque through geometric constraints. The curvature is designed to be gentle enough to prevent pin binding or breakage while still achieving proper alignment, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and component strength.
2Reliability
If the pin is made to fit snugly within the run-off channel to prevent drainage during engine use, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the pin becomes more susceptible to damage during installation due to increased friction and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different clearance specifications at different locations along the pin-channel interface. The upper portion of the channel has a tighter fit to ensure sealing reliability during operation, while the lower portion has increased clearance to reduce friction during installation. This local variation in fit quality resolves the contradiction between sealing reliability and installation ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If visual alignment of the pin with the channel is used during installation, then alignment can be achieved, but it is difficult to see or feel the alignment which can lead to improper installation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as colored markings or contrasting colors on the pin and channel that change or become apparent when proper alignment is achieved. This makes the alignment state easily detectable during installation, resolving the contradiction between achieving precise alignment and making that alignment detectable to the installer.
4Reliability
If the filter is pressed down during installation to ensure proper seating, then sealing contact is improved, but the pin may become bound up against the ramp or miss the channel causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the curved surface and pin geometry so that proper alignment is achieved automatically during the insertion process itself, before the filter is fully pressed down into its final seated position. This preliminary alignment action prevents the pin from becoming bound or missing the channel when force is applied during final seating, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and pin integrity.
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 design enhances the ease and accuracy of filter installation, minimizing the risk of component damage and ensuring proper alignment, which in turn reduces the likelihood of engine damage and improves maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Friction on the ramp, or simply improperly using the pin-ramp combination, can thereby result in stress being introduced to the pin or other components of the filter during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel filter assembly includes a filter housing defining a cavity, a center stack having a base component and a top portion. The center stack is positioned within the cavity of the filter housing and attached to the housing, the center stack having an axial aperture in the top portion, the axial aperture having a circumferential surface, and a fuel filter. The fuel filter includes a filter base, an end cap having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an axial extension that extends from the bottom surface, and at least one prong attached to the axial extension, the at least one prong having an axial surface facing away from the top surface that axially locates the fuel filter in the housing against the circumferential surface, a filter element attached to the bottom surface of the end cap, and a pin attached to a filter base.