Fuel Filter Sealing and Pin Alignment for Damage-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fuel filters in internal combustion engines can result in damage to the filter and engine components due to improper alignment and excessive rotational torque, leading to issues such as pin snapping off, misalignment, and air capture, which can cause engine performance problems and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly design featuring a center stack with a curved surface that aligns with a sword to ensure proper rotational installation, minimizing damage by guiding the pin into its channel and maintaining radial clearance to prevent cocking, while incorporating a seal to minimize air capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spherical ramp is used to align the pin with the channel during filter installation, then the pin can be guided into the channel, but excessive rotational torque is imparted to the filter which can damage the pin or other filter 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 by controlling the angle and radius of the curve, preventing pin damage while maintaining alignment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the alignment feature by specifying a controlled radius of curvature for the curved surface and defining specific angular relationships between the curved surface and the pin-channel alignment path, thereby optimizing both alignment effectiveness and torque limitation
2Measurement precision
If the filter is manually rotated during installation to align the pin with the channel, then proper alignment can be achieved, but it is difficult to see or feel the alignment which can lead to improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual alignment features such as colored markings or contrasting color surfaces on the filter housing and center stack that become visible or align in a specific pattern when the filter is properly positioned, providing clear visual feedback to the installer without requiring manual rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface automatically guides the pin into the channel through its geometric design, eliminating the need for manual rotation or alignment detection by the installer - the alignment feature performs the alignment function automatically as the filter is installed
3Ease of operation
If radial clearance is provided between the filter and housing, then the filter can be installed without excessive force, but the filter may cock or misalign during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface with controlled radius of curvature provides a self-aligning mechanism that guides the filter into proper position during installation, maintaining alignment precision while allowing sufficient radial clearance to prevent installation damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the curved surface and pin-channel alignment path to provide self-centering action during installation, where the geometry itself guides the filter into proper alignment while accommodating radial clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a filter housing, a center stack, a filter having an end cap, a filter base, a filter element, a pin, and a seal. The filter housing includes an outer wall that defines a cavity. The center stack includes a base component and a top portion, wherein the center stack is positioned within the cavity of the filter housing and attached to the housing and the center stack includes an axial aperture in the top portion. Further, the end cap includes a top surface, and the filter element is positioned between the end cap and the filter base. The pin can extend below the filter base and the seal can be radially disposed between the center stack and the outer wall of the filter housing.