Fuel Filter Element Assembly for Return Column Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel filter elements have complex structures, are prone to installation errors leading to uneven seal gaps and deformation, and the plug can deviate from the track during installation, compromising sealing and protection of the fuel return column.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filter element design featuring a fuel return column that can elastically deform to accommodate installation deviations, with a protective cover and a plug with a raised edge to guide it into the slide way, ensuring proper installation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fuel return column is made rigid and precisely positioned, then sealing accuracy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and vulnerable to deformation damage from installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel return column transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible structure with elastic deformation capability. The flexibility parameter is optimized to allow the column to deform and adapt to installation deviations, maintaining sealing accuracy without requiring complex precision machining or additional protective structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the plug is made to fit tightly in the slide way, then installation precision is improved, but the plug is likely to deviate from the track during installation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is provided on the plug that engages with the slide way before the main body of the plug enters. This preliminary guiding action ensures the plug follows the correct track during installation, preventing deviation while maintaining tight fit for sealing.
3Device complexity
If the fuel return column is exposed, then the structure is simpler, but the column is vulnerable to wear and deformation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel return column is nested within the filter element housing structure. The housing provides a protective environment for the column, shielding it from external wear and deformation damage while maintaining structural simplicity without requiring separate protective covers or complex shielding mechanisms.
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 protects the fuel return column from wear and damage, allows for normal installation despite deviations, and enhances sealing without substantive fuel filtration interference, reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel return column of the filter can be elastically deformed to a certain degree to adapt to an installation deviation
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of fuel filter components of internal combustion engines, and discloses a fuel filter element, including a filter element main body and a protective cover. A fuel return column extends from an upper end surface of the filter element main body. The protective cover is formed with a U-shaped groove adapted to the fuel return column, is adaptively installed on the filter element main body and is of an annular hollow structure. The U-shaped groove accommodates the fuel return column to form a protective assembly. Therefore, the problem of poor sealing caused by installation deformation damage and installation deviation of the fuel return column, and the cost of a hollow structure of the protective cover are reduced.