Snap-fit Latch Element for Engine Filter Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engine filtration systems, improper installation of filter elements can lead to seal failures, allowing contaminants to bypass the filter and potentially damage downstream components, due to the lack of assurance of proper alignment and securement.
Innovation Solution
A latch element with a handle portion and engagement portion is designed to ensure proper alignment and securement of the filter element within the filtration system, providing a snap-fit mechanism and preventing 180-degree rotation to prevent improper installation, and offering visual, acoustic, or haptic feedback for confirmation of correct installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member is used to prevent fluid bypass, then filtration reliability is improved, but installation correctness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element provides visual, acoustic, or haptic feedback to confirm proper installation. When the filter element is correctly installed, the latch element engages with the housing and provides a detectable signal (such as a click sound or visual indicator) that confirms the seal member is properly positioned and the installation is correct, thereby resolving the verification problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element acts as an intermediary between the filter element and the housing. It mediates the connection by providing a detectable engagement signal that indicates whether the seal member is properly positioned, thus bridging the gap between the physical seal and the verification of installation correctness.
2Manufacturing precision
If proper alignment is required to prevent 180-degree rotation, then installation precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element incorporates asymmetric features that prevent 180-degree rotation of the filter element. The asymmetric design allows the latch to engage only in the correct orientation, ensuring proper alignment without requiring the installer to carefully align components, thus maintaining high installation precision while minimizing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element is pre-configured with asymmetric engagement features that automatically guide the filter element into the correct orientation during installation. This preliminary design of the engagement mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments, thereby ensuring installation precision without increasing installation time.
3Loss of information
If a latch element provides engagement and feedback, then installation verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element incorporates simple visual, acoustic, or haptic feedback mechanisms that provide installation verification without adding significant complexity. For example, a click sound upon engagement or a visible indicator shows that the filter is properly installed, delivering verification functionality with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element is designed to automatically engage and provide verification feedback without requiring additional tools, actuators, or complex control systems. The engagement itself generates the feedback signal (such as a mechanical click or visual position change), allowing the system to verify installation correctness through its own operation rather than requiring external verification mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch element for use with a filter element is described. The latch element includes a first end and a second end spaced laterally from the first end. An engagement portion is disposed between the first end and the second end. The engagement portion is configured to engage a housing. The handle portion is adjacent to the second end. The handle portion is configured to engage the filter element and facilitate removal of the filter element.