Insertable Filter for Vehicle Canister Air Inlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing canister systems for storing fuel evaporation gas in vehicles have a non-replaceable upper filter that can become clogged with foreign materials, leading to air inlet blockages and potential fuel tank damage due to pressure differences when the purge control solenoid valve is opened.

Innovation Solution

An insertable filter system comprising a pipe with through holes and metal meshes that can be detached and reinstalled, featuring a side mesh to cover the holes and prevent foreign material entry, and a front mesh to cover the pipe's front end, allowing for easy replacement and maintaining air permeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the upper filter is fused to the inside of the case with ultrasonic wave, then the filter structure is stable and secure, but the filter cannot be replaced when clogged with foreign materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter structure stabilityVSAvoidfilter replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into a filter element and a support structure with through-holes. The filter element can be detached from the support structure, allowing replacement of only the filter element when clogged, while the support structure remains in the canister. This resolves the contradiction by making the filter replaceable (improving ease of repair) while maintaining structural stability through the support structure's integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the canister structure. By providing a detachable filter element that can be removed and replaced independently from the canister body, the solution enables filter replacement without replacing the entire canister, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining the overall structural stability of the canister system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the air inlet is blocked by foreign materials, then the canister cannot function properly, but the fuel tank may be damaged due to pressure difference when purge valve is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister functionVSAvoidfuel tank damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is installed in advance at the air inlet position to prevent foreign materials from blocking the inlet before they can cause damage. The filter acts as a preliminary protective measure, capturing dust and contaminants before they can block the air inlet and create dangerous pressure differences that would damage the fuel tank during purging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the entire canister is replaced when the filter is clogged, then the filter function is restored, but the maintenance cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet permeabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is segmented into a permanent support structure and a replaceable filter element. When the filter becomes clogged and air inlet permeability is compromised, only the filter element needs to be replaced rather than the entire canister. This segmentation enables quick maintenance by allowing technicians to simply remove and replace the filter element, dramatically reducing maintenance time and costs while restoring air inlet permeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the filter is made non-replaceable, then the canister structure is simplified, but the overall system complexity increases due to cannot perform partial replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister structureVSAvoidfilter replacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into a support structure with through-holes and a separate filter element. The support structure is integrated into the canister providing structural simplicity, while the filter element is designed as a separate replaceable component providing replacement flexibility. This segmentation allows the canister structure to remain simple while enabling easy filter replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and replacement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the replacement of filters without replacing the entire canister, preventing air inlet blockages, reducing maintenance costs and time, and avoiding fuel tank damage by maintaining air permeability and preventing pressure differences.

Implementation Method 1

meshes configured to filter foreign materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10107234B2Insertable filter for canister and canister having the filter

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a canister and an insertable filter for a canister which collects fuel evaporation gas and emits the collected fuel evaporation gas to an intake pipe when an engine is purged. The insertable filter includes a pipe configured to be able to penetrate through a case of the canister, and meshes configured to filter foreign materials. The meshes are installed at a portion where an inside and an outside of the pipe are in fluidic communication with each other.