In-tank Fluid Filter Plastic Retainer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-tank fluid filters require a metal retention ring that increases manufacturing costs and labor due to the need for additional materials and human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A plastic retainer is integrated into the filter's outlet port, featuring a tab with an aperture that varies in cross-section to securely grip a pump retention post without deforming, eliminating the need for a metal retention ring and allowing for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal retention ring is used to secure the filter to the pump, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the retention function from a separate metal component and integrates it directly into the filter housing. The retention lugs are formed as integral features of the housing itself, eliminating the need for a separate metal retention ring while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic and modifies the geometric parameters of the retention features. The retention lugs are designed with specific dimensions and shapes that enable them to securely engage with the pump outlet port through deformation during installation, providing reliable connection without metal components.
2Strength
If a metal retention ring with barbs is used, then the grip strength on the pump is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the retention function with the filter housing by forming retention lugs as integral features of the housing. This combines what were previously separate components (housing and retention ring) into a single unified structure, reducing part count while maintaining grip strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is segmented into multiple discrete lugs distributed around the housing perimeter. These individual lugs work collectively to provide secure engagement with the pump outlet port, distributing the gripping force across multiple contact points.
3Strength
If an aperture with varying cross-section is used in the retainer, then the grip on the retention post is improved through elastic deformation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is designed with a varying cross-section that changes along its length, creating zones of different flexibility. The narrowest section is positioned to allow controlled elastic deformation during installation, enabling the retainer to grip the retention post firmly while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances.
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 plastic retainer effectively secures the filter to the pump without additional design changes, reducing costs and labor while providing a firm grip without a positive lock, and can be made from fuel-resistant materials like polyoxymethylene (POM) with added reinforcement for increased rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic material is deformed where the effective cross-section is smaller than the post cross-section. This gives the retainer a firm grip of the retention post without establishing a positive lock. The resulting deformation may be at least partially elastic.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-tank fluid filter has a filter body made of porous material and a plastic outlet port attached to the filter body for connecting the filter to a pump. A plastic retainer is integrally formed on the outlet port, the retainer comprising a tab extending in a plane perpendicular to the flow axis, the tab having a first surface proximate the pump and a second surface remote from the pump, the tab having an aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface with an effective cross-section at the first surface that is larger than the post cross-section and that is reduced toward the second surface to an effective cross-section that is smaller than the post cross-section.