Integrated Filter Housing and Support Tube for Leak-Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for fluids in vehicles are complex, costly, and require welding or joining processes, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with an integrally formed pot-shaped filter housing and support tube, featuring a screw thread on the support tube for easy assembly, a circumferential sealing element, and a filter element that can be easily replaced, manufactured as a single plastic part using injection molding, eliminating the need for welding and reducing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the support tube is formed integrally with the filter housing, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the structural integrity and sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is formed integrally with the filter housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This merging of components reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functional integrity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support tube serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter element, acts as a fluid passage, and forms part of the sealing system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If the filter housing is made as a single integrated component, then production cost and time are reduced, but the adaptability for different connection types may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different connection types and configurations. The integrated design includes standardized interfaces that work with various mounting systems, maintaining versatility while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
While the housing itself is integrated, the design incorporates separable connection interfaces that allow for different mounting configurations. This segmentation at the interface level provides adaptability without compromising the integrated nature of the main housing structure.
3Device complexity
If the support tube is integrated into the housing, then the number of parts is reduced, but the ease of replacement and maintenance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be easily removed from the integrated support tube structure. This segmentation of the filter element from the housing allows for simple maintenance while keeping the overall device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is extracted as a separate serviceable component from the integrated housing structure. This allows the filter element to be replaced independently without affecting the integrated housing and support tube assembly, maintaining ease of repair.
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 system is cost-effective, easy to manufacture, and assemble, with a durable seal and improved flow characteristics, allowing for efficient fluid filtration without complex manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential sealing element for sealing against a connecting flange when installed as intended
Implementation Method 2
a filter element arranged around the support tube
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filter system (100) for a fluid, in particular oil or fuel, comprising at least a pot-shaped filter housing (10) with a support tube (20) fixed to the housing and aligned along a longitudinal axis (80), and a filter element (40) arranged around the support tube (20), wherein the support tube (20) is designed as a fluid passage, in particular a fluid outlet (14). An open end (18) of the filter housing (10) comprises a fluid passage, in particular a fluid inlet (12), and has a circumferential sealing element (30) for sealing against a connecting flange (60) when properly installed. The support tube (20) has, at its free end (38) facing away from the filter housing (10), a screw thread (22) for a screw connection with the connecting flange (60) and, along a longitudinal extent of the support tube (20), at least one passage opening (24) for, in particular, filtered, fluid.According to the invention, the support tube (20) is formed integrally with the filter housing (10).