Unified Air Filter Mounting System With Integrated Sealing Nut
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter mounting systems for gas turbine engines are time-consuming and prone to errors due to numerous individual components that can be installed incorrectly or lost during assembly, and require additional tools for tightening, especially with conventional washer/nut combinations.
Innovation Solution
A unified air filter mounting system featuring a locking plate, support legs, a filter support bolt, and a retaining nut with a handle and flexible sealing skirt, which integrates a filter clamp, air-tight seal, and thread protector in one unit, reducing component count and eliminating the need for metal fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional washer/nut combination with multiple individual components is used, then the air filter mounting system provides functional completeness, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (retaining nut, washer, seal, thread protector) into a single integrated retaining nut assembly. The retaining nut includes an integrated seal groove for the O-ring seal, a built-in thread protector, and a handle portion with cavity for tool reception, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining nut is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fastening (threaded engagement with bolt), sealing (integrated seal groove for O-ring), thread protection (built-in protector), and tool guidance (handle portion with cavity). This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, improving both reliability and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual components are used in the air filter mounting system, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the complexity of assembly increases and components may be lost or installed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining nut, washer, seal, and thread protector into a single integrated retaining nut assembly, reducing the number of discrete components from four or more to one unified part. This simplifies assembly by eliminating multiple installation steps and reduces the risk of components being lost or misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the retaining nut maintains internal segmentation through distinct features: the external hexagonal shape for tool engagement, the integrated seal groove for O-ring placement, the threaded bore for bolt engagement, and the handle portion with cavity. This segmentation of functions within a unified structure achieves simplicity without sacrificing functional optimization.
3Strength
If conventional metal fasteners are used, then the mounting system provides structural strength, but additional tools are required and rust potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining nut is constructed from composite materials, specifically a polymer or plastic material that provides sufficient fastening strength while eliminating the need for metal fasteners. This composite construction prevents rust and corrosion issues associated with metal while maintaining adequate structural integrity for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional metal fastener system with a polymer-based retaining nut that achieves fastening through friction and interference fit mechanisms rather than metallic threading. The threaded bore engages with the bolt through a polymer-thread interface that provides sufficient holding strength without requiring additional metal-to-metal fastening components.
4Reliability
If a flexible seal is integrated into the retaining nut, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the seal retention function directly into the retaining nut structure by incorporating a seal groove as an integral feature of the nut body. The O-ring seal sits in this groove, which is molded or formed as part of the retaining nut manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate seal retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses a flexible O-ring seal that conforms to the seal groove geometry, providing effective sealing through the elastic properties of the rubber or polymer material. The flexible seal deforms to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and provides reliable contamination prevention without requiring precision-machined rigid sealing surfaces.
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
Facilitates efficient, error-proof assembly and reduces the need for additional tools, enhancing ease and speed of installation while providing a cost-effective and practical design with improved sealing and reduced rust potential.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing skirt extending outward from the attachment portion and includes a flexible sealing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An air filter mounting system includes a filter mounting element extending from an air intake, wherein the filter mounting element includes a locking plate, a filter support bolt coupled to and extending outward from the locking plate, a plurality of support legs extending from the air intake, wherein the plurality of support legs coupled to the locking plate, and a retaining nut sized to threadably engage the filter support bolt. The retaining nut includes a handle portion comprising a cavity defined therein, wherein the cavity is sized to receive at least a portion of a fastener therein, and an attachment portion including a threaded bore defined therein, wherein the attachment portion is sized to threadably receive the fastener therein, and wherein the threaded bore is substantially axially aligned with the cavity. The retaining nut includes a sealing skirt extending outward from the attachment portion and includes a flexible sealing surface.