Integrated Spindle Filter Cap for Inlet and In-Line Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous filter designs for in-line and inlet applications, such as evaporative emission systems, faced issues with added cost and complexity due to separate spindles, which were prone to loss or damage during servicing, and lacked effective water ingress protection, making them difficult to reconfigure for different applications.
Innovation Solution
The spindle feature is integrated with the filter cap or body, either molded as a single part or fixedly attached through methods like co-molding or ultrasonic welding, allowing the filter to function both as an in-line and inlet filter with a splash cap for protected fluid intake, and incorporating features like O-rings and locking mechanisms for enhanced sealing and serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate spindle is used to support the filter element, then the filter element can be supported, but the design complexity and cost increase, and the spindle may be lost or damaged during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is integrated into the filter cap as a single molded part, eliminating the separate spindle component. This merging of the spindle and filter cap resolves the issue of spindle loss or damage during servicing while reducing design complexity and assembly steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If previous filter designs are used for in-line applications, then they can filter fluid flow, but they lack effective water ingress protection for inlet filter applications
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with a splash cap that can be attached to the filter cap, enabling the same filter to function effectively in both in-line filter applications and inlet filter applications where water ingress protection is required. This multi-functional design allows reconfiguration for different applications while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filter is designed for single-use, then manufacturing is simpler, but the filter cannot be reused multiple times extending system life
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into separable components including the filter element, filter cap with integrated spindle, and optional splash cap. This segmentation allows the filter element to be removed and replaced while reusing the filter cap and other components, extending the overall system life while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
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
This design reduces costs, enhances serviceability, and provides effective protection against water ingress, allowing the filter to be reused multiple times, thereby extending its life and the system's efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating features like O-rings and locking mechanisms for enhanced sealing
Implementation Method 2
fixedly attached through methods like co-molding or ultrasonic welding
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for in-line or inlet applications. The filter may include a spindle for supporting a filter element. In some embodiments, the spindle may be fixedly attached to a filter cap or filter body. The filter may be used as an in-line filter with a hose or tube on the inlet and outlet ports of the filter cap and filter body. In addition, or alternatively, a filter consistent with the present disclosure may be provided with a splash cap that allows use of the filter as a protected inlet for fluid flow. When used as an inlet filter, fluid may enter the filter through the splash cap and exit the filter through hose or tube coupled to the filter body. Both uses allow for serviceability.