Inclined Filter End Panels for Compact Engine Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in exchangeability and mounting difficulties, leading to potential poor sealing and premature wear of engine parts, especially in limited spaces where axial displacement is scarce.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with inclined external surfaces on its end panels, allowing for straight-down insertion and providing tactile feedback, which ensures correct orientation and rotational restriction, enhancing sealing engagement and manufacturing simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If filters are arranged to be mounted through axial displacement, then filtering performance is maintained, but large free volume is required in the movement direction which is scarce in engine packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree volume in movement directionVSAvoidfilter exchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed to be inserted through the end panel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the filter element, rather than through axial displacement. This dimensional change in insertion direction allows the filter to be mounted in limited spaces while maintaining proper sealing through the inclined end panel design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If filters are mounted through transversal movement, then packaging space is reduced, but challenging exchangeability and mounting difficulties arise leading to potential incorrect mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging spaceVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end panel is designed with an inclined external surface at an angle of 5-15 degrees relative to the plane perpendicular to the axial direction. This asymmetric inclination provides tactile feedback that guides the operator to insert the filter in the correct orientation, eliminating mounting difficulties while maintaining compact packaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined external surface of the end panel provides tactile feedback during insertion that indicates correct orientation. This feedback mechanism ensures the filter is mounted correctly without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If complex mounting procedures with multiple steps are used, then proper sealing can be achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined external surface of the end panel is pre-designed to provide guiding and positioning functionality during insertion. This preliminary action ensures the filter is automatically guided into the correct position and orientation, achieving proper sealing without requiring multiple adjustment steps or complex mounting procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3389819B1Filter element comprising inclined end panels and respective filter housing
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP3389819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389819B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3389819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for being removably arranged in a filter housing (30, 30c). The filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) comprises a tubular filter material body (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), and a first end panel (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) at a first end of the filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) in an axial direction (I) of the filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c). Said first end panel (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) comprises an opening (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) to an interior of the filter material body (10, 10a, 10b, 10c). The first end panel (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) comprises a generally flat external surface (21, 21 a, 21 b, 21 c), which is inclined in relation to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (I) of the filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c). The present disclosure also relates to a filter housing (30, 30c) comprising a compartment for receiving such a filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c). The present disclosure further relates to a filter system comprising such a filter element (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) and filter housing (30, 30c). An internal combustion engine system (2) and a vehicle (1 ) comprising such a filter system are also disclosed.