Separable Hatch Filter Assembly for Vehicle Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration systems for motor vehicles require either multiple assembly steps or unnecessary replacement of the hatch when changing the air filter, leading to increased assembly time and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A filtration device with a separating mechanism between the filtering part and the closure device, allowing the closure device to be broken from the filtering part using a weak connection, enabling single-step assembly and reusing the closure device during filter replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hatch and filter are produced as a non-separable one-piece assembly, then the assembly during vehicle installation is simplified to a single step, but the hatch must be replaced every time the filter is changed, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip is segmented with a junction zone that has reduced thickness, creating a weak point that allows selective separation. This segmentation enables the filter to be removed and replaced independently from the hatch, resolving the contradiction by allowing single-step assembly while preventing unnecessary hatch replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting strip has non-uniform thickness with a specific junction zone having reduced thickness (weaker mechanical properties) compared to the rest of the strip. This local quality difference creates a predetermined break point that fails first during separation, allowing the filter to be replaced without the hatch while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere.
2Loss of substance
If the hatch and filter are produced as separate parts, then the hatch can be reused during filter replacement, but the assembly requires two successive operations increasing assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch and filter are merged into a single assembly unit during vehicle installation through the connecting strip, enabling single-step assembly. The junction zone with reduced thickness allows this merged assembly to be installed as one unit while still permitting subsequent separation for filter replacement, thus reducing assembly time without incurring hatch replacement costs.
3Ease of repair
If a breakable connecting strip with a junction zone is used to connect the hatch and filter, then the filter can be replaced independently without replacing the hatch, but the mechanical connection must be sufficiently strong during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip has differentiated local qualities with most of the strip maintaining full thickness for strength, while the junction zone has reduced thickness for easy separation. This local quality variation allows the connection to be strong during normal operation (resisting vibrations and thermal cycles) while enabling easy filter replacement by applying force at the weak junction zone.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has a filtering part (2) traversed by an air flow and a closing device (13) in form of hatch to close an opening arranged in a housing of a ventilation device. A separation unit (23) is formed between the filtering part and the closing device to authorize separation of the closing device and the filtering part. The filtering part is delimited by a plane defining an inlet face to allow through the filtering part. The separation part is extended in the plane. The filtering part is delimited by another plane defining an outlet face of air flow out of the filtering part.