Integrated Motor Crankcase Ventilation Filter Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating crankcase ventilation systems require multiple components for rotational torque transmission and vibration resistance, increasing manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A rotating crankcase ventilation filter assembly with an axial flow filter media disposed around a hub coupled to a central shaft driven by a motor, eliminating extra coupling components and allowing for a larger number of filter media layers to reduce wobbling and vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components (metallic bushings, inserts, motor shaft) are used to transmit rotational torque and withstand vibrations, then the system can withstand vibration loads and transmit torque, but the manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motor shaft and filter element hub into a single integrated component. The motor shaft directly forms the hub structure without requiring separate metallic bushings, inserts, or coupling components. This merging eliminates multiple parts while maintaining the ability to transmit rotational torque and withstand vibrations through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple components with tight tolerances and heat treatment are used, then the system can prevent premature wear, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of motor shaft and hub eliminates the need for separate components that require tight tolerances and heat treatment. The single-piece structure reduces manufacturing steps, eliminates the need for assembly of multiple precision parts, and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining wear resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies manufacturing and reduces maintenance costs by eliminating unnecessary components and enhancing filter efficiency through axial flow and reduced vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a motor including a stator and a rotor, and a shaft. A first end of the shaft is coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In rotating coalescer elements, the contaminants (e.g., oil droplets suspended and transported by blowby gases) are separated at least in part by centrifugal separation techniques

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 3

Additionally, the rotation of the coalescer element can create a pumping effect, which reduces the pressure drop through the crankcase ventilation system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping effect: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4097339B1Electric motor integrated rotating crankcase ventilation filter assemblies
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 ATMUS FILTRATION INC US
  • EP4097339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4097339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4097339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rotating crankcase ventilation filter element comprises a motor comprising a stator and a rotor, and shaft. A first end of the shaft is coupled to the rotor and is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the rotor. A hub is disposed circumferentially around the shaft and coupled to the shaft such that the hub is rotationally locked with respect to the shaft. A filter media is disposed around the hub and secured thereto such that the filter media is rotationally locked with respect to the hub. The filter media is structured for axial flow of a gas through the filter media. A first end cap is disposed on a filter media first end, and a second end cap is disposed on a filter media second end of the filter media. The second end cap is coupled to the first end cap such that the filter media and the hub is secured therebetween.