Powerplant Filter Mount With Extended Pilot to Prevent Cross-Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter mounting arrangements in powerplant fluid systems are in need of improvement for better efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter assembly with a filter housing and mount design featuring a pilot and attachment structure, where the pilot has a longer axial length than the attachment, and a threaded interface that ensures proper alignment and secure attachment to powerplant components, minimizing cross-threading risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional filter mounting arrangement is used, then the filter can be attached to the powerplant component, but the alignment and attachment process is complex and prone to cross-threading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot portion of the mount is inserted into the powerplant component before the threaded attachment portion is engaged. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment of the threading interfaces before threads are engaged, preventing cross-threading and simplifying the installation process.
2Measurement precision
If the pilot axial length is increased relative to the attachment axial length, then alignment precision is improved, but the overall mount complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into distinct functional segments: a pilot portion for alignment and a threaded attachment portion for securing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The pilot portion extends beyond the threaded portion to ensure alignment occurs first during installation.
3Strength
If a threaded attachment interface is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot portion performs preliminary alignment before the threaded attachment is engaged. This ensures that when threading begins, the threads are already properly aligned, making the threading process simpler and less prone to errors while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a powerplant. This powerplant apparatus includes a fluid filter assembly (24) with a filter housing (52). The filter housing (52) extends axially along an axis (32) between a housing first end (58) and a housing second end (60). The filter housing (52) includes a mount (64) and a sidewall (68). The mount (64) is connected to the sidewall (68). The mount (64) includes a flange (78), an attachment (80) and a pilot (82). The flange (78) projects radially out from the sidewall (68) and the attachment (80) to a flange distal outer end (84). The attachment (80) extends axially between the flange (78) and the pilot (82). The attachment (80) is configured with an external threaded section (92). The pilot (82) projects axially out from the attachment (80) to the housing first end (58). The pilot (82) includes a cylindrical external surface (106) located radially inboard of the external threaded section (92). An axial length of the pilot (82) is greater than an axial length of the attachment (80).