Segmented Filter Assembly for Fuel Vapor Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters in fuel vapor recovery systems are bulky and expensive to manufacture, posing a challenge in efficiently filtering fresh air for purging vapor storage canisters while maintaining effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a housing and multiple filter elements, including a first filter with 25 pores per inch and a second filter with 60 pores per inch, positioned within the housing to effectively filter air, utilizing a connector cap portion with tabs and ribs for secure attachment, allowing air to flow through a central passageway and multiple openings for efficient filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air filters are used in fuel vapor recovery systems, then filtration effectiveness is maintained, but the filter assembly becomes bulky and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple filter elements (first filter element and second filter element) with different pore densities, where the first filter element has a first pore density and the second filter element has a second pore density that is different from the first pore density. This segmentation allows each filter element to perform specific filtration functions, achieving effective contamination removal while reducing overall assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter assembly have different filter element configurations - the first filter element with first pore density and the second filter element with second pore density. This local quality variation optimizes filtration performance for different contamination types while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and assembly complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple filter elements with different pore densities are used, then filtration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly uses segmented filter elements with different pore densities arranged in a modular fashion within the housing. This segmentation enables efficient filtration through multiple stages while maintaining ease of manufacture by using standardized modular components that can be produced independently and assembled systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly design incorporates multiple filter elements that can serve different filtration functions simultaneously, creating a multi-functional system. This universality approach improves overall filtration efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity by designing elements that can be produced using similar processes but with varied specifications.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact filter assembly design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compact filter assembly achieves reduced volume by segmenting the filtration function into multiple elements with different pore densities that are efficiently arranged within the housing. This segmentation allows optimized space utilization while managing manufacturing precision through modular design that simplifies assembly tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly utilizes three-dimensional arrangement of filter elements with varying pore densities within the housing, optimizing spatial utilization. This dimensional approach reduces overall assembly volume while managing manufacturing precision by distributing complexity across multiple dimensions rather than requiring high precision in a single plane.
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 filter assembly provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for filtering fresh air, removing contaminants such as dust and moisture, while being compact and easy to manufacture, thereby enhancing the performance of fuel vapor recovery systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one filter element supported within the housing, the housing having at least one inlet for receiving a fluid to be filtered and at least one outlet for discharging filtered fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for a fresh air filtration system, the fresh air filtration system made therewith, and a method of filtering fresh air are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter housing and at least one filter element supported within the housing, the housing having at least one inlet for receiving a fluid to be filtered and at least one outlet for discharging filtered fluid, wherein the at least one inlet and at least one outlet are on a common side of the housing.