Removable Nozzle Power Steering Filter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive power steering systems face premature wear and clogging due to debris in the fluid, and aftermarket filters often require multiple inventory sizes to fit varying hose line diameters, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A power steering fluid filter assembly with differentially sized and removable nozzles, featuring commonly sized cylindrical protrusions and hose barbs for universal fitment across various hose sizes, allowing for easy selection and replacement of nozzles to match specific installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter assemblies with different nozzle sizes are inventoried to fit various hose line diameters, then fitment compatibility is improved, but inventory costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates a universal nozzle structure with a commonly sized cylindrical protrusion that fits within the housing, combined with differentially sized hose barbs on the external portion. This allows a single filter assembly design to accommodate multiple hose line diameters by selecting the appropriate nozzle configuration, eliminating the need to inventory multiple complete filter assemblies for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter assemblies with different nozzle sizes are inventoried to fit various hose line diameters, then fitment compatibility is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into two functional portions: an internal commonly sized cylindrical protrusion that fits within the housing, and an external differentially sized hose barb that interfaces with various hose diameters. This segmentation allows the same base filter assembly to be adapted to different applications by varying only the external nozzle configuration, reducing inventory requirements and associated costs.
3Quantity of substance
If a single filter assembly design is used for all hose sizes, then inventory costs are reduced, but fitment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle exhibits local quality by having a uniform commonly sized cylindrical protrusion internally that ensures consistent sealing and fitment within the housing, while the external hose barb portion varies in size to match different hose diameters. This localized differentiation maintains precise fitment for each specific application while using a single base filter assembly design.
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
Enables a single filter assembly to be used across multiple fluid line sizes, reducing inventory costs and ensuring proper fitment without leakage, thereby extending the life of the power steering system by effectively trapping debris.
Implementation Method 1
at least one filter element through which fluid flowing through said housing passes
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering fluid filter assembly having a housing defining an interior chamber, an upstream end and downstream end. The housing is substantially cylindrical having a substantially circular cross-section and longitudinal axis and at least one filter element through which fluid flowing through said housing passes. A plurality of inlet nozzles, each of which are selectively removable at the upstream end of the housing, the inlet nozzles having commonly sized cylindrical protrusions for fitting within the housing and differentially sized hose barbs for fitting within differentially sized hoses feeding power steering fluid to the housing. A plurality of outlet nozzles each of which are selectively removable at the downstream end of the housing, the outlet nozzles having commonly sized cylindrical protrusions for fitting within the housing and differentially sized hose barbs for fitting within differentially sized hoses through which power steering fluid exiting the housing passes. The inlet and outlet nozzles are releasably retained at the ends of the housing by, for example, removable clips, threads, or snap rings.