Retrofittable No Filter No Run Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration systems without engine integrity protection features are susceptible to damage from unauthorized or non-genuine replacement filter elements, which can allow contaminants to pass through, causing engine malfunctions or damage.
Innovation Solution
A no filter no run attachment that includes a shell with a fluid passage and a divider, featuring a ball that blocks fluid communication when an unauthorized or non-genuine filter element is installed, preventing the engine from operating without a proper filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no filter element or improper filter element is installed in the filtration system, then the engine can run without restrictions, but the engine is susceptible to damage from contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The NFNR attachment applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing engine operation when no filter or improper filter is installed. The ball mechanism is positioned in advance to block the fluid passage, and only moves to allow operation when a proper filter with a correctly positioned pin is installed. This preemptive blocking mechanism ensures engine protection before contaminants can cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFNR attachment acts as an intermediary device between the filter element and the engine. It includes a pin aperture that receives a pin from the filter cartridge, and a ball that can be engaged or disengaged from this aperture. The ball serves as a mediator that either permits or prevents fluid flow to the engine based on whether the proper filter is installed, thus protecting the engine without requiring direct monitoring of filter integrity.
2Reliability
If NFNR system is implemented in the filtration system, then engine protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFNR attachment is designed as a separate, modular component that can be installed on existing filtration systems without redesigning the entire system. It consists of distinct segments: a shell with a pin aperture, a ball mechanism, and a fluid passage. This segmentation allows the protection function to be added as an independent module, minimizing the complexity increase while maintaining engine protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFNR attachment extracts the essential protection function from the complex NFNR system concept and implements it through a simple mechanical mechanism. Rather than implementing a complex electronic monitoring or control system, the invention extracts the core function into a simple ball-and-aperture mechanism that passively enables or disables engine operation based on filter presence, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If ball is allowed to engage with divider in internal aperture, then fluid communication is blocked preventing engine damage, but fluid flow is completely stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The ball mechanism implements dynamics by being able to move between two positions: engaged with the divider to block the internal aperture and prevent fluid flow when no proper filter is installed, and disengaged to allow fluid flow when a proper filter with a pin is installed. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adaptively control fluid flow based on filter integrity, protecting the engine only when necessary while maintaining normal operation when the filter is proper.
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
Prevents engine damage by ensuring that only authorized filter elements are used, thereby safeguarding downstream components and reducing the risk of malfunctions and warranty claims.
Implementation Method 1
a ball disposed in the upstream portion in fluid flow receiving communication with the upstream fluid aperture, and sized to have a greater diameter than the internal aperture such that an operative engagement of the ball with the divider within the internal aperture blocks fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion
Implementation Method 2
The pin prevents the engagement of the ball to the divider
Data Source
AI summary
A no filter no filter no run attachment is disclosed. A shell defines a fluid passage from an upstream fluid aperture at a first end for fluid receiving communication with a filtration cartridge to a downstream fluid aperture at a corresponding second end sized and shaped for coupling to a fluid pump inlet. The shell further defines a pin aperture at the first end sized to receive a pin from the filtration cartridge. A divider segments the fluid passage into an upstream portion that comprises the upstream fluid aperture and the pin aperture and a downstream portion that comprises the downstream fluid aperture. The divider also defines an internal aperture that allows fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. A ball is disposed in the upstream portion in fluid flow receiving communication with the upstream fluid aperture, and is sized to have a greater diameter than the internal aperture.