Spin-On Fluid Filter Molded Plastic Nutplate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filters are costly due to multiple component parts and materials, and there is a need for environmentally friendly disposal options, such as incineration or recycling, which traditional metal filters do not efficiently support.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned fluid filter with a predominantly all-plastic construction, featuring a molded plastic nutplate with ribs for strength, an elastomeric anti-drain back and by-pass valve integrated into a single unit, and a direct seal between the endplate and nutplate, reducing the number of components and enabling cost-effective production and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fluid filters use multiple component parts and metal materials, then structural strength and reliability are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and environmental disposal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (housing, end cap, seal, and support ribs) into a single molded plastic filter element. The housing and end cap are formed as one integral structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity through the molded design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic materials with added fibers or other reinforcing agents to create a composite structure that provides both the cost benefits of plastic and the structural strength traditionally achieved with metal components. This composite approach allows the filter to maintain mechanical strength while being manufactured from non-metallic materials.
2Reliability
If fluid filters are designed with multiple component parts, then functional performance is maintained, but device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the housing, end cap, and support structures into a single molded component, reducing the number of parts from multiple separate components to one integral structure. This simplification maintains all necessary functional features while eliminating assembly steps and reducing the potential for assembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single molded filter element performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components: filtration, structural support, sealing, and connection to the filter housing. The integrated design incorporates all these functions within one component, reducing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid filters use predominantly non-metallic materials, then environmental friendliness and disposability are improved, but structural mass and strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic composite materials that combine the environmental benefits of non-metallic, disposable construction with enhanced mechanical properties. The composite structure provides sufficient strength and stiffness for the filter application while maintaining low weight and enabling incineration or recycling disposal methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of plastic materials through formulation adjustments, adding reinforcing fibers or modifying polymer composition to achieve the necessary structural properties for filter applications. This allows plastic materials to replace metal while maintaining adequate strength-to-weight ratios.
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 redesign achieves significant cost savings by eliminating components, enhancing structural integrity with molded plastic components, and providing a disposable, environmentally friendly solution through reduced landfill waste and recyclable materials.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric, flow-control valve having a first portion positioned between the flange portion of the endplate and the inlet flow openings and a second portion positioned between the sleeve portion of the endplate and the nutplate sleeve, wherein the first portion provides an anti-drain back capability
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable, spin-on fluid filter for mounting to a fluid-directing head includes a molded housing having a closed base and a sidewall defining a hollow cavity. Filtering media is positioned within the hollow cavity and a nutplate is joined to the housing so as to enclose the filtering media. The nutplate includes a plurality of inlet flow openings and a lobed sleeve extending into the filtering media. An endplate is joined to the filtering media including a flange portion and a sleeve portion. The fluid filter includes an elastomeric valve having a first portion positioned between the flange portion and the inlet flow openings and a second portion positioned between the sleeve portion and the lobed sleeve. The valve provides an anti-drain back capability and in cooperation with the lobed sleeve provides a filtering media by-pass capability.