Fuel Filter Cartridge Keyed Profile Anti-Tamper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unauthorized or non-genuine replacement filter cartridges of inferior quality can be installed in internal combustion engine filtration systems, leading to damage by allowing contaminants to bypass the filter cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a filter head assembly that includes an outlet slot, valve element, and latch element, where a keyed element on the filter cartridge engages the latch element to unlock the valve element, allowing fluid flow through the clean fuel outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple filter cartridge design is used, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but unauthorized or non-genuine cartridges can be installed leading to system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge employs an asymmetric keyed element with a specific geometric profile that must match a corresponding keyed slot in the filter head assembly. This asymmetric design allows genuine cartridges to be easily manufactured and installed while preventing unauthorized cartridges from being installed, as they cannot physically engage the keyed slot. The asymmetric keying mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding minimal manufacturing complexity while significantly improving reliability through physical anti-tampering design.
2Reliability
If a keyed element mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized cartridges, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed protection mechanism is segmented into two separate components: a keyed element integrated with the filter cartridge and a keyed slot integrated with the filter head assembly. This segmentation allows the protection mechanism to function independently without complicating the overall filter system design. The keyed element and keyed slot are simple geometric features that can be manufactured using standard processes, minimizing the increase in device complexity while effectively preventing unauthorized cartridge installation.
3Reliability
If a seal member is compressed against the housing to prevent bypass, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is pre-compressed during the filter cartridge manufacturing process, creating a pre-loaded sealing mechanism. When the keyed element is inserted into the keyed slot during installation, it automatically actuates the pre-compressed seal member to engage with the filter head assembly housing. This preliminary action allows the seal to be effectively engaged without requiring additional manual compression steps, resolving the contradiction by maintaining high sealing effectiveness while preserving ease of installation operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system comprises a filter head assembly comprising an outlet slot, valve element, and latch element. The valve element is in fluid communication with the outlet slot and includes an open position and a closed position. In the open position fluid flow travels through the outlet slot. In the closed position fluid flow is prevented through the outlet slot. The latch element is configured to lock the valve element in the closed position. The filtration further comprises a filter cartridge structured to engage the filter head assembly. The filter cartridge comprises a first and second filter end. The filter cartridge comprises filter media and a keyed element disposed on the first filter end. The keyed element is structured for engagement of the latch element, wherein the engagement unlocks the valve element causing the valve element to be in the open position.