Spin-On Filter Snap-Fit Housing Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Spin-on filters face challenges in securely connecting plastic canisters and cover plates without material voids and additional off-line processes, as existing methods like spin and vibrational welding require heat and additional assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fit connection using engagement tabs and receiving slots on the cover plate and housing, which are axially pressed together to secure the cover plate to the housing, providing a fluid-tight seal and preventing relative movement, eliminating the need for adhesives and additional welding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spin or vibrational welding techniques are used to join plastic canister and cover plate, then the components can be securely joined, but material voids are created that result in by-passes and additional off-line processes are required which increase assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The joining mechanism is segmented into multiple engagement tabs distributed around the circumference of the cover plate, each providing localized mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows the cover plate to be joined to the canister through multiple small connection points rather than a single complex welding operation, eliminating the need for off-line welding processes and reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal welding processes (spin welding, vibrational welding) with a purely mechanical joining system using engagement tabs and receiving slots. This mechanical substitution eliminates the harmful thermal effects that create material voids and by-passes, while also eliminating the need for additional off-line welding processes, thereby reducing assembly time without compromising joining strength
2Strength
If adhesives are used to join plastic canister and cover plate, then the components can be secured together, but the joining process becomes complex and requires additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for adhesives from the joining process by implementing a self-contained mechanical interlocking system. The engagement tabs on the cover plate mate with corresponding receiving slots in the canister, creating a secure mechanical connection that does not require external adhesive materials or complex adhesive application and curing processes, thereby simplifying the overall joining process
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interlocking system is self-service in nature, requiring no external agents or additional processing steps. The engagement tabs and receiving slots are integral to the components themselves, and their mating provides automatic securing when the cover plate is placed on the canister, eliminating the need for adhesive application, clamping, or curing operations that would increase process complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A spin-on filter includes a housing and a cover plate defining a central opening. The housing has a closed end a circumferential wall extending from the closed end to an open end and circumscribes an internal chamber configured to receive a filter element. The cover plate includes a substantially planar outer surface extending radially outward from the central opening to an outer circumferential wall. The spin-on filter also includes a series of engagement tabs integrally formed with one of the outer circumferential wall of the cover plate or the interior wall of the housing. Each engagement tab is configured to mate with corresponding ones of a series of receiving slots formed within the other one of the outer circumferential wall of the cover plate or the interior wall of the housing when the cover plate and the housing are axially pressed together to secure the cover plate to the open end of the housing.