Non-Metal Oil Filter Structure for Easier Cartridge Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oil filters are heavy due to metallic components, not easily reusable when clogged, and require complex and expensive casting integration into the engine's lubrication system, leading to costly and time-consuming replacements.

Innovation Solution

A non-metallic oil filter design with a plastic body and cover, incorporating a filter cartridge and bypass valve, allowing for easy replacement and integration into the lubrication circuit without altering the engine's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional oil filter with metallic components is used, then the filter structure is strong and durable, but the vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter structure strengthVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the filter body and cover, reducing density and weight while maintaining structural integrity through appropriate plastic material selection and design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with plastic body and metal insert only where threading is required, combining the advantages of lightweight plastic with the strength of metal where absolutely necessary, minimizing overall weight while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the entire oil filter assembly is replaced when the cartridge is clogged, then the filter system maintains reliability, but the maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter system reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the oil filter into separable components: a reusable plastic body/cover assembly and a replaceable cartridge. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced independently without replacing the entire filter assembly, reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables recovery and reuse of the plastic filter body and cover after cartridge replacement, discarding only the consumable cartridge portion. This reduces waste and maintenance costs while maintaining filter system reliability through proper cartridge replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If the oil filter is integrated into the engine casting, then the lubrication system is compact, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication system integrationVSAvoidcasting manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the oil filter into a standalone component with modular body and cover that can be manufactured independently using injection molding, avoiding the need for complex integrated casting while maintaining compact installation through direct mounting on the oil pan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional metal casting manufacturing process with plastic injection molding for the filter body and cover, simplifying manufacturing processes, reducing tooling costs, and enabling easier production while maintaining structural adequacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces vehicle weight, simplifies filter cartridge replacement, and maintains continuous oil circulation even when the cartridge is clogged, preventing engine malfunctions and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a filter cartridge (9) housed within the rigid body (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the oil filter (4) includes a bypass valve (10), which allows oil to flow through the filter without passing through the filter cartridge if it becomes clogged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4496940B1Motor vehicle comprising an oil filter with simplified geometry

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HORSE POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS S L U

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Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising an internal combustion engine and a lubrication circuit (3) for lubricating moving parts of the engine, said engine comprising a lower oil sump (2) and said lubrication circuit (3) being provided with an oil filter (4) mounted in said sump (2). According to the invention, the oil filter (4) comprises a non-metal rigid body (7), a filter cartridge (9) housed in the rigid body and a non-metal cover (8), and the rigid body (7) has a lower end region (11) which is capped by the cover (8), and an upper end region (16) provided with a first end-piece (17) and a second end-piece (18).