Vehicle Filter Element Mounting With Angled Groove Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices for motor vehicles face challenges in easily exchanging and securely fixing filter elements, particularly in environments with air pollution and vibrations, where traditional engagement elements may not provide a stable form-fit connection.

Innovation Solution

A filter device with a filter element and frame, featuring engagement elements that include an insertion section and a blocking section with a specific angle, allowing for form-fit connection and secure fastening within the filter housing, providing various mounting possibilities and enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional engagement elements are used to fix filter elements, then the filter element can be secured in the filter housing, but the filter element may become loose under vibrations and pressure pulses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of filter element fixationVSAvoidease of filter element exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement element is divided into two functional sections: an insertion section for easy insertion along the flow direction, and a blocking section at an angle to provide secure form-fit fixation. This segmentation allows the same component to enable both easy exchange and reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complex locking mechanisms to secure the filter element, the design uses a simple angled blocking section that passively provides form-fit connection. The insertion direction is inverted from traditional perpendicular approaches to align with the flow direction, simplifying the insertion process while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If complex engagement elements with multiple locking mechanisms are used, then the filter element can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of filter element fixationVSAvoidcomplexity of engagement elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement element is divided into two functional sections: an insertion section for easy insertion along the flow direction, and a blocking section at an angle to provide secure form-fit fixation. This segmentation allows the same component to enable both easy exchange and reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element's angled blocking section automatically provides form-fit connection when inserted, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The geometry itself performs the securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If filter elements are designed for secure fixation, then they remain in place during vibrations, but the mounting process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of filter element fixationVSAvoidease of mounting filter element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring complex locking mechanisms to secure the filter element, the design uses a simple angled blocking section that passively provides form-fit connection. The insertion direction is inverted from traditional perpendicular approaches to align with the flow direction, simplifying the insertion process while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element's angled blocking section automatically provides form-fit connection when inserted, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The geometry itself performs the securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240253427A1Filter device, vehicle, use and method

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A filter device has a filter element with filter medium body and surrounding frame with opposed lateral faces. A filter housing has opposed wall sections with two engagement counter elements for form fit engagement of an engagement element, respectively. The engagement counter elements are grooves in the wall sections with an insertion section and a blocking section connected to the insertion section and angled thereto. The insertion section permits insertion of the engagement element along a flow direction through the filter element. When mounted, the engagement element is arranged at one of the lateral frame faces, extends away from the filter medium body, and is held in the blocking section. Hold sections are connected to the engagement elements and, when mounted, at least partially engage the filter element. A vehicle with such a filter device and a method for mounting the filter element with engagement elements are provided.