Flexible Oil Filter Bib with Aperture for Spill Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing oil filters from engines often result in spillage due to the lack of a flexible, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant containment device that can accommodate horizontal or angled filters without obstructing tool access, and does not allow for disposal of both the filter and spilled oil effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant oil filter bib that can be manually secured around the oil filter, allowing for tool access and containing spills without disconnection of engine components, featuring a compartment for both the filter and oil, and made from materials like 2.2 osy woodpulp/polyester spunlace or PVC film for effective containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid container or flexible plastic bag is used to collect oil during filter removal, then oil containment is improved, but the device cannot accommodate hot engine parts or provide proper tool access for horizontal/angled filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bib made of heat-resistant and chemical-resistant material that can conform to the engine geometry and filter position. The bib's flexibility allows it to adapt to horizontal or angled filter orientations while maintaining oil containment, and its thin film structure enables tool access through the material without compromising containment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bib material properties are specifically selected to change parameters of heat resistance and chemical resistance, allowing the containment device to withstand hot engine parts and oil exposure while maintaining structural integrity and containment effectiveness throughout the removal process.
2Reliability
If a containment device is placed under horizontal or upwardly angled oil filters, then oil spillage is reduced, but access for conventional removal tools is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bib material can be positioned under the filter to catch spills while its thin, adaptable nature allows tools to access the filter through or around the bib material, solving both containment and accessibility requirements simultaneously.
3Reliability
If conventional plastic bags are used for oil collection, then oil containment is achieved, but the material degrades when exposed to hot engine parts
Solution Approach 1:
The bib material is specifically engineered with elevated heat resistance parameters compared to conventional plastic bags, allowing it to withstand hot engine part exposure while maintaining oil containment effectiveness throughout the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bib uses composite material properties combining heat resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility that conventional single-material plastic bags cannot provide, enabling simultaneous exposure to heat, oil, and mechanical manipulation without degradation.
4Reliability
If a containment device is designed to fit tightly around the filter, then oil spillage is prevented, but the device becomes complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bib can be simply positioned and secured around the filter using basic fastening methods, creating an effective seal without complex structures. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the filter shape and engine geometry, achieving good sealing with minimal installation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a flexible oil filter bib comprises an open end, a closed end, and upper and lower side panels, an oil filter removal aperture configured to permit access by an oil filter removal tool and graspable tabs configured to secure a portion of the bib under the oil filter. In some embodiments, a disposal compartment is configured to receive a removed oil filter and used oil. In some embodiments, a folded edge is formed at the open end of the bib to further contain used oil. In particular embodiments, one or more pockets can receive an end of an elongate tool to facilitate positioning the bib. In another embodiment, a bag is placed at least partially around an oil filter by placing a lower portion of the bag under the fixed end of the oil filter and inserting a tool through an aperture in the bag to remove the oil filter, allowing it to fall into the bag.