Velocity-Stack Air Filter Assembly with Tool-Free Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters for internal-combustion engine carburetors are aesthetically distracting, require tools for mounting, are not optimal for airflow, need periodic oiling, are flimsy, and corrosive, leading to reduced engine performance and shorter lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile air-filter assembly with a retaining ring member that can be manually lip-locked to the velocity stack without tools, made from stainless steel and silicone, ensuring optimal airflow, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional air filter is used, then filtration function is provided, but it detracts from appearance of the velocity stack and requires tools for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter assembly is divided into separate components: a retaining ring member and an air filter member. The retaining ring member can be independently mounted to the velocity stack lip, and the air filter member is then secured to the retaining ring member. This segmentation enables tool-free manual assembly while maintaining a secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the air filter directly to the velocity stack using complex fasteners, the patent inverts the approach by first mounting a simple retaining ring to the velocity stack lip, then attaching the air filter to the ring. This reversal simplifies the mounting process and eliminates the need for tools.
2Reliability
If a conventional air filter is used, then filtration is provided, but it requires periodic oiling and is corrosive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the air filter components. The retaining ring member is made from elastomeric material or silicone rubber, and the air filter member is made from stainless steel mesh, replacing traditional corrosive materials. This material parameter change eliminates corrosion and eliminates the need for periodic oiling maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter assembly uses composite materials: stainless steel mesh for the filter element provides corrosion resistance and durability, while elastomeric or silicone rubber material for the retaining ring provides flexibility and weather resistance. This combination of materials eliminates corrosion and reduces maintenance requirements.
3Strength
If a conventional air filter is used, then filtration function is provided, but it is flimsy and creates vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter member is given a curved, dome-shaped configuration rather than a flat design. This curved structure provides greater structural strength and rigidity, reducing flimsiness and minimizing vibration and noise during engine operation while maintaining the filtration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of stainless steel mesh and elastomeric/silicone rubber materials creates a structurally strong assembly. The rigid stainless steel mesh provides strength and stability, while the flexible rubber material dampens vibrations and reduces noise, eliminating the flimsy characteristic of conventional filters.
4Shape
If a conventional air filter is used, then filtration is provided, but it defines a high profile that takes visible attention away from the velocity stack
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter member adopts a curved, dome-shaped design that follows the contours of the velocity stack. This curved configuration creates a low-profile appearance that blends with the velocity stack aesthetics, reducing visual distraction while maintaining effective filtration function.
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 air-filter assembly effectively prevents impurities from entering the engine, enhances engine performance, maintains the appearance of the velocity stack, reduces vibration and noise, and extends the filter's lifespan without requiring periodic oiling or tools for assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The air filter is adapted to remove impurities entrained in the airflow and permit the filtered air to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The interior side defines a generally jagged indentation with respect to the interior space adapted to manually mountingly receive a lip of an outer open end of the velocity stack to lock the air-filter assembly to the velocity stack
Data Source
AI summary
An air-filter assembly is adapted to be used with a velocity stack of a carburetor of an internal-combustion engine of an automobile. The air-filter assembly includes a generally hollow air-filter member defining an open face, a closed face, and a side connected to and extending between the open and closed faces of the air-filter member. The closed face and side define an air-inlet end, an air-discharge end disposed opposite the air-inlet end, and an air filter arranged between the air-inlet and air-discharge ends. The air-inlet end is adapted to permit air to flow therethrough from exterior the air-filter assembly. The air filter is adapted to remove impurities entrained in the airflow and permit the filtered air to flow therethrough. The air-discharge end is adapted to permit the filtered air to flow therethrough into the velocity stack. A retaining ring member is mounted about the open face and at least a portion of the side of the air-filter member and adapted to be manually mounted about a lip of an outer open end of the velocity stack to lock the air-filter assembly to the velocity stack.