Integrating Oil Cooler into Filter Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine oil filter systems with integrated oil coolers require complex modifications and increased manufacturing costs, while separately attached oil coolers are limited in layout options, necessitating a cost-effective solution that integrates an oil cooler without modifying the oil filter or engine structure.

Innovation Solution

An engine oil filter system where the oil cooler is formed integrally with the filter-attachment base, allowing the use of a conventional oil filter and eliminating the need for exclusive engine attachment, featuring a cooler tower with bent oil passages and radiator fins for effective heat radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an oil cooler is integrated into an oil filter, then oil cooling function is provided, but the structure of the oil filter becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil cooling functionVSAvoidoil filter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil cooler is separated from the oil filter into two independent components. The oil cooler is integrated into the filter-attachment base while the oil filter remains a separate attachable component, thus providing cooling function without complicating the filter structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter-attachment base serves as an intermediary component that integrates both the oil cooler and the mounting interface for the oil filter. This mediator allows the cooler to be incorporated into the system without modifying the filter itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an oil cooler is separately attached to an engine, then oil cooling function is provided, but the attachment portion must be exclusively formed on the engine which limits layout options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil cooling functionVSAvoidlayout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter-attachment base is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting base for the oil filter and the integration point for the oil cooler. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate attachment portions on the engine, providing layout flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil cooler and filter-attachment base are merged into a single integrated component. This combination allows the cooler to be positioned wherever the filter-attachment base can be mounted on the engine, significantly increasing layout options

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an oil cooler is integrated into an oil filter, then oil cooling function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil cooling functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the oil cooler from the oil filter and integrating it into the filter-attachment base instead, the manufacturing process is simplified. The cooler can be produced as a separate component and integrated into the base, avoiding the need for complex modifications to the filter assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses standard, easily manufactured components for the oil cooler that can be produced cost-effectively and integrated into the filter-attachment base, avoiding the need for expensive custom-modified filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 configuration enables efficient oil cooling without additional engine modifications, reduces costs, and allows for a compact assembly of the oil filter and cooler around the filter-attachment base, enhancing engine durability and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a large number of radiator fins provided in a protruding manner on an outer periphery of the cooler tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a bent oil passage provided inside the cooler tower so that the oil transferred between the engine and the oil filter passes through the bent oil passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through heat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2146060B1Engine oil filter system

Publication Date: 2013.05.01 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

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AI summary

In an engine oil filter system in which: a filter-attachment base (63) is joined to one side surface of an engine (E); and an oil filter (61) which filters lubricating oil supplied to the engine from an oil pump is attached to the filter-attachment base (63), an oil cooler (60) for cooling down the lubricating oil transferred between the engine (E) and the oil filter (61) is formed integrally with the filter-attachment base (63). Accordingly, it is possible to provide an inexpensive engine oil filter system which includes an oil cooler (60) constituted by utilizing a filter-attachment base (63), and which thus eliminates the need to modify an oil filter (61) and also the need to form, on an engine (E), an attachment portion to which the oil cooler (60) is exclusively attached.