Axial Fuel Filter Insert with Wall Element Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel filter inserts are not compact and are difficult to handle, requiring complex and expensive filter housings.

Innovation Solution

A fuel filter insert with a prefilter element and a main filter element arranged one atop the other, separated by a wall element that extends through the prefilter element, allowing for a compact and cost-efficient design with a simplified housing configuration, and includes a water separating unit for efficient contaminant and water removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If filter elements are arranged concentrically or one behind the other with complex housing separation, then filtering function is achieved, but compactness and handling ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing configurationVSAvoidfilter insert compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the prefilter chamber and main filter chamber into a single integrated filter insert housing, eliminating the need for complex separate housing sections. The prefilter element and main filter element are arranged axially one behind the other within this unified housing, with fuel flowing sequentially through both elements, thereby simplifying the overall housing configuration while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter insert is segmented into distinct functional zones: a prefilter chamber with a prefilter element for coarse filtration and a main filter chamber with a main filter element for fine filtration. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific filtration task while being integrated into a compact axial arrangement that improves handling and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If filter elements are arranged one atop the other in axial direction, then compactness is improved, but handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter insert compactnessVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prefilter element and main filter element are combined into a single integrated filter insert assembly with a unified housing. This merging allows the entire dual-element filtration system to be installed and removed as one compact unit, significantly improving handling ease compared to separate elements while maintaining the space-saving axial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex housing construction is used to accommodate filter elements, then filtering function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple housing functions into a single integrated filter insert housing that accommodates both the prefilter element and main filter element in an axial arrangement. This merging eliminates the need for complex separate housing sections and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable filtration performance through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient separation of particulate contaminants and water, simplifies handling and manufacturing, and reduces costs by using a modular design with integrated sealing and a flow channel delimited by end discs, ensuring reliable sealing and efficient water separation.

Implementation Method 1

a prefilter element (28) and a main filter element (30) which are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (32) of the fuel filter insert (26) one atop the other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region of the fuel filter insert are at least over sections thereof separated from each other by a wall element (76) which is extending from the main filter element (30) in axial direction at least partially through the prefilter element (28)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10773190B2Fuel filter insert with a prefilter and a main filter element, and fuel filter

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A fuel filter insert for a fuel filter has a low-pressure region with prefilter element arranged therein. A high-pressure region arranged fluidically downstream of the low-pressure region has a main filter element arranged therein. Prefilter element and main filter element are arranged one atop the other axially in the fuel filter insert. A wall element projects away from the main filter element in axial direction and extends at least partially through the prefilter element. Low-pressure region and high-pressure region at least over sections thereof are separated from each other by the wall element. A fuel filter is provided with a filter housing in which the fuel filter insert is arranged. The filter housing has a fuel outlet and a fuel inlet for fuel prefiltered by the prefilter element. Fuel inlet and fuel outlet are fluidically positioned between low-pressure region and high-pressure region and a fuel pump is connectable thereto.