Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication and more particularly the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components.
DEFINITIONS
[002] The following are the definitions of some of the terms as used herein.
[003] Fluid – herein may include gases, liquids, or a mixture thereof. The fluid may be fuel, exhaust gases, oil, lubricant etc.
[004] Fluid utilizing component – herein means any machine, which may be a vehicle, an internal combustion engine or the like and which uses some fluid.
[005] Fluid cleaning component – herein means any device which is capable of removing unwanted materials from the fluid. For example, the fluid cleaning component may be a fuel filter, oil filter, etc.
[006] Space-separated components – herein means two or more components which are fluidically connected to each other but are separated in space or are spaced apart from each other.
[007] Spatial separation – herein means separation between two or more components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[008] Machines are an integral aspect of modern human existence. Our environment is filled with numerous machines, which we rely on to streamline and facilitate our daily tasks. These machines can encompass mechanical, electro-mechanical, or various other types.
[009] Machines utilize a variety of fluids such as lubricants, oils, fuels, coolants, gases, and more. These fluids need to be transferred between different components for various purposes, such as cleaning them before they are used by fluid-utilizing components within the machines. To accomplish this cleaning process, the fluids may need to be relocated to a separate component specifically designed for fluid cleaning. This cleaning component may be typically positioned at a spatial distance from the fluid-utilizing component.
[0010] In the context of motorized vehicles, it is noteworthy to highlight the necessity of fluid cleaning, particularly in relation to the oil used for the proper functioning of the vehicle's components. In compliance with this requirement, it becomes imperative for the motorized vehicle to be equipped with a fluid cleaning component specifically designed to cleanse the fluid obtained from the fluid-utilizing component of the motorized vehicle.
[0011] In certain specified arrangements, it may be required to maintain a spatial separation between the fluid cleaning component and the fluid-utilizing component. This separation entails the placement of the fluid cleaning component and the fluid-utilizing component at distinct spatial locations within the machine, such as a motorized vehicle. The degree of spatial separation between the fluid cleaning component and the fluid-utilizing component may vary depending on the type of machine and the available space, typically ranging from a few inches to a few feet.
[0012] With particular emphasis, it should be noted that in situations where space is limited within the machine, it may be necessary to physically separate one or more components from the machine itself and install them at alternative locations. In such circumstances, it remains essential to ensure that the fluid cleaning component and the fluid-utilizing component maintain a continuous flow of fluid between them, despite their spatial separation.
[0013] In the existing prior art, efforts have been made to develop apparatus that facilitate fluidic communication between components that are separated in space, such as the fluid-utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component. However, significant drawbacks have been identified with regards to the known apparatus.
[0014] A significant drawback arises from the undesirable discharge or leakage of fluid during the transportation or transfer process between spatially separated components. Numerous factors contribute to this fluid leakage, encompassing instances of sealing element failure resulting from mishandling, thermal damage, deformation caused by excessive compressive forces applied to the sealing elements, cutting of the sealing elements due to the presence of sharp edges on the components, vibrations originating from the machine or vehicle, and other related factors.
[0015] To illustrate, for the purpose of enabling fluid transportation between a fluid utilizing component and a fluid cleaning component that are separated in space, an apparatus may be employed. This apparatus includes a vessel-like structure, which is connected to the fluid utilizing component and serves to collect and receive the fluid requiring cleaning. The collected fluid within the vessel is subsequently conveyed to the fluid cleaning component through a conduit that establishes a connection between the fluid cleaning component and the vessel. Once the fluid has been cleaned, it is returned to the fluid utilizing component through another conduit by means of a pumping mechanism.
[0016] To minimize fluid leakage during the flow between the fluid utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component, multiple sealing members are utilized. For instance, one such sealing member may be employed to effectively seal the surfaces where the vessel and the fluid utilizing component are in contact.
[0017] Nonetheless, for the reasons stated earlier, the sealing member may experience failure, leading to fluid leakage.
[0018] Consequently, there exists a demand for an apparatus that enables leakproof fluidic communication between components that are separated in space, wherein the apparatus is simple, cost-effective, robust, and easy for construction and maintenance.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
[0020] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
[0021] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for enabling fluidic communication between space-separated components.
[0022] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components.
[0023] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for enabling fluidic communication between space-separated components, wherein the apparatus is simple, economic, robust, and easy to build and maintain.
[0024] Other objects and benefits of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Disclosed is an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components. The apparatus for a leakproof fluidic communication comprising a first component to sealably couple and interface with a fluid utilizing component and receive a dirty fluid to be cleaned from the fluid utilizing component, a second component to sealably couple and interface with a fluid cleaning component and receive a cleaned fluid from the fluid cleaning component to be supplied to the fluid utilizing component, wherein the fluid utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component are space-separated, wherein the first component receiving and retaining the second component while isolating the dirty fluid and the clean fluid from each other, wherein an axial sealing member is disposed between the first component and the fluid utilizing component, and wherein a radial sealing member is disposed between the first component and the second component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
[0026] The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for enabling a leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a second interfacing component of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the second interfacing component of FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the second interfacing component of FIG. 2A;
[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first interfacing component of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0035] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A;
[0036] FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A; and
[0037] FIG. 3D illustrates a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an inner peripheral surface of a hole of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A.
LIST OF NUMERALS
[0038] The following is the list of numerals of various components of the apparatus for enabling fluidic communication between space-separated components.
100 - Apparatus
102 - First interfacing component
102a - Bowl shaped body
102e1 - Upper open end
102e2 - Lower closed end
102f1 - First surface
102f2 - Second surface
102h - Through hole
102h1 - Through hole
102g - Groove
102s - Sealing member
102s1 - Inner peripheral surface
102w - Peripheral wall
104 - Second interfacing component
104a - Longitudinal hollow tubular body
104b - Through passage
104c - Smooth surface portion
104e1 - Upper open end
104e2 - Lower open end
104f1 - First engaging formations
104f2 - Second engaging formations
104f3 - Third engaging formations
104g1 - First groove
104g2 - Second groove
104g3 - Third groove
104h - Head
104l - Locking component
104lf - Engaging formations
104lh - Through hole
104m - Resilient member/spring washer
104s1 - First sealing member
104s2 - Second sealing member
104s3 - Third sealing member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present disclosure have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, unless otherwise specified.
[0040] As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0041] The term "comprising”, “comprises”, “comprised of” etc., as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
[0042] Further, the terms “about” and “approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges.
[0043] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components. More specifically, the present disclosure provides an apparatus which facilitates in accomplishing a leakproof fluidic communication between one or more components which are separated in space due to constraints relating to space in certain machines or vehicles.
[0044] An example of machines with constraint space may include motorized vehicles which may include a fluid utilizing component and a fluid cleaning component. The fluid utilizing component may be a fuel driven piston engine, and the fluid cleaning component may be a fuel or oil cleaning component. It may be required to clean the fuel or oil (referred to as “fluid” herein after) within the machine (in the present case the motorized vehicle) wherein the fluid may be required to be transferred in continuous and un-interrupted manner between the fluid cleaning component and the fluid utilizing component, wherein the fluid cleaning component and the fluid utilizing component may be space-separated due to space constraint in the machines.
[0045] The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for enabling leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a second interfacing component of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the second interfacing component of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the second interfacing component of FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first interfacing component of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3D illustrates a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an inner peripheral surface of a hole of the first interfacing component of FIG. 3A.
[0046] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus (100) for enabling a leakproof fluidic communication between space-separated components comprises a first interfacing component (102) (also referred to as “the first component”) which is configured to sealably couple and interface with a fluid utilizing component, and a second interfacing component (104) (also referred to as “the second component”) which being configured to sealably couple and interface with a fluid cleaning component, wherein the first interfacing component (102) sealably receives and retains the second interfacing component (104) thereby facilitating fluidic communication between the fluid utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component which being spaced apart from each other.
[0047] More specifically, in accordance with the present disclosure, the apparatus (100) for a leakproof fluidic communication may comprise a first component (102) to sealably couple and interface with a fluid utilizing component and receive a dirty fluid to be cleaned from the fluid utilizing component, a second component (104) to sealably couple and interface with a fluid cleaning component and receive a cleaned fluid from the fluid cleaning component to be supplied to the fluid utilizing component, wherein the fluid utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component are space-separated, wherein the first component (102) receiving and retaining the second component (104) while isolating the dirty fluid and the clean fluid from each other, wherein an axial sealing member (102s) is disposed between the first component (102) and the fluid utilizing component, and wherein a radial sealing member (104s2) is disposed between the first component (102) and the second component (104).
[0048] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first sealing member (102s) and the second sealing member (104s2) are each an O-ring, wherein the first sealing member (102s) is made of viton, and the second sealing member (104s2) is made of rubber.
[0049] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid utilizing component is one selected from the group consisting of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic device, and combinations thereof.
[0050] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid cleaning component is a fluid filter for cleaning the fluid received from the fluid utilizing component, and the fluid is engine oil.
[0051] The first interfacing component (102) is configured to interface with and receive a fluid to be cleaned from the fluid utilizing component. The first interfacing component (102) comprises a bowl-shaped body (102a). The bowl-shaped body (102a) can be made of suitable material selected from the group consisting of metal, non-metal, metalloid, alloy, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the bowl-shaped body (102a) is made of metal such as aluminium of industrial grade.
[0052] The bowl-shaped body (102a) has an upper open end (102e1) and a lower closed end (102e2). The upper open end (102e1) is eccentrically aligned with the lower closed end (102e2), wherein the eccentricity being in the range of – 5 % to + 5 %. Further, a through hole (102h) is configured on the lower closed end (102e2), the through hole (102h) is configured to sealably receive a portion of the second interfacing component (104) therein (FIG. 1D). The bowl-shaped body (102a) further includes a peripheral wall (102w) which is configured between the upper open end (102e1) and the lower closed end (102e2). In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the peripheral wall (102w) is disposed at an angle ? with respect to a central vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a). In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the angle ? may take a value in the range of 30? to 60?. The angled peripheral wall (102w) enables easy manufacture of the bowl-shaped body (102a). The bowl-shaped body (102a) may be manufactured by any known methods including die casting method.
[0053] Further, the peripheral wall (102w) is provided with a through hole (102h1) configured thereon. The through hole (102h1) functions as an outlet for the fluid to be cleaned, wherein the dirty fluid to be cleaned is received from the fluid utilizing component. The bowl-shaped body (102a) further has a groove (102g) configured on the upper open end (102e1). The groove (102g) is configured on an outer free surface of the peripheral wall (102w) such that the groove (102g) is preferably configured at a geometric center of the outer free surface. The outer free surface may be in the form of a collar, and the collar may have a thickness which is more than the thickness of the peripheral wall (102w). The thickness of the collar enables multiple functions, one it facilitates proper interfacing with the fluid utilizing component to which the bowl-shaped body (102a) is coupled to, second it prevents cantilever bending of the bowl-shaped body (102a), and third it permits formation of the groove (102g) thereon. The groove (102g) is configured to receive a sealing member (102s) therein which confines the fluid within the bowl-shaped body (102a), wherein the upper open end (102e1) abuts with a free surface of the fluid utilizing component (not shown in the figures).
[0054] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the through hole (102h) has an inner peripheral surface (102s1). The inner peripheral surface (102s1) is comprised of a first surface (102f1) and a second surface (102f2). The first surface (102f1) is disposed substantially concentrically about a central vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a), and the second surface (102f2) being disposed at an angle ? with respect to the vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a). The provision of the second surface (102f2) with an inclination helps in receiving the second interfacing component (104) in an easy manner and without cutting the second sealing member (104s2) which seals the interface between the first interfacing component (102) and the second interfacing component (104).
[0055] In accordance with one specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the angle ? is in the range of 91? to 135?.
[0056] The second interfacing component (104) comprises a longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a). The second interfacing component (104) can be made of a suitable material selected from the group consisting of metal, non-metal, metalloid, alloy, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the second interfacing component (104) is made of metal such as aluminium of industrial grade.
[0057] More specifically, the second interfacing component (104) has an upper open end (104e1) and a lower open end (104e2), wherein the upper open end (104e1) is eccentrically aligned with the lower open end (104e2), wherein the eccentricity being in the range of – 5 % to + 5 %.
[0058] The second interfacing component (104) has a through passage (104b) configured between the upper open end (104e1) and the lower open end (104e2) running in a longitudinal direction. The through passage (104b) may have an eccentricity in the range of 0 to 0.2. The through passage (104b) facilitates the flow of cleaned fluid from the fluid cleaning component to the fluid utilizing component. The through passage (104b), in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is cylindrical in shape. The second interfacing component (104) barring the grooves and other members configured thereon has an outer surface which is substantially cylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the through passage (104b) and the outer surface which is cylindrical in shape are substantially concentric.
[0059] The second interfacing component (104) has first engaging formations (104f1) configured on the outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) in proximity of the upper open end (104e1), wherein the first engaging formations (104f1) facilitate coupling of the second interfacing component (104) to the fluid utilizing component.
[0060] Further, the second interfacing component (104) has second engaging formations (104f2) configured on the outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) in proximity of the lower open end (104e2), the second engaging formations (104f2) facilitate coupling of the second interfacing component (104) with the fluid cleaning component via a pipe.
[0061] Still further, the second interfacing component (104) has third engaging formations (104f3) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and above the second engaging formations (104f2), the third engaging formations (104f3) facilitate coupling of the first interfacing component (102) with the fluid utilizing component with the help of the locking component (104l), which may be a nut.
[0062] In one possible configuration of the second interfacing component (104) has a head (104h) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and below the first engaging formations (104f1), the head (104h) having diametric dimension greater than a maximum diametric dimension of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) and having a hexagonal shape. The provision of the hexagonal shaped head aids in easy engaging and disengaging of the second interfacing component (104) from the fluid utilizing component. For example, the second interfacing component (104) may be threaded to the fluid utilizing component in a manner similar to a bolt using a spanner.
[0063] The second interfacing component (104) may include a smooth surface portion (104c) which being configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and below the head (104h). The smooth surface portion (104c) is configured to be received in the through hole (102h) of the first interfacing component (102), and the smooth surface portion (104c) in particular receives and interfaces with the first surface (102f1) in a substantially sealable manner.
[0064] A first groove (104g1) is configured between the first engaging formations (104f1) and the head (104h) on the outer surface of the second interfacing component (104), wherein the first groove (104g1) is configured to receive a first sealing member (104s1) therein. The first groove (104g1) along with the first sealing member (104s1) enables leak-tight sealing between the second interfacing component and the fluid utilizing component.
[0065] A second groove (104g2) is configured between the smooth surface portion (104c) and the third engaging formations (104f3), wherein the second groove (104g2) is configured to receive a second sealing member (104s2) therein. The provision of second groove along with the second sealing member defines a leak-proof seal between the first and the second interfacing components and prevents any leakage of fluid from the gap, if any, between the first and the second interfacing components.
[0066] A third groove (104g3) is configured between the third engaging formations (104f3) and the second engaging formations (104f2). A third sealing member (104s3) is received within the third groove (104g3). The third sealing member (104s3) enables a leak-proof seal between hose or pipe which connects the second component and the fluid cleaning component.
[0067] Further, the second interfacing component (104) further receives a locking component (104l) having a through hole (104lh). The through hole (104lh) is provided with engaging formations (104lf) configured on an inner surface thereof, the engaging formations (104lf) being complimentary to the third engaging formations (104f3), the locking component (104l) is engageably received over the third engaging formations (104f3) and being configured to fixedly secure the first interfacing component (102) with the second interfacing component (104).
[0068] In accordance with one embodiment, a resilient member (104m) is received between the locking component (104l) and the first interfacing component (102), the resilient member (104m) is configured to absorb vibrations and/or shocks from the fluid utilizing component, the fluid cleaning component, the first interfacing component (102) and the second interfacing component (104). In one embodiment, the resilient member (104m) is a spring washer.
[0069] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus (100) may be made of one material selected from the group consisting of metal, non-metal, metalloid, alloy, and any combinations thereof.
[0070] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid utilizing component is one selected from the group consisting of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic device, and combinations thereof.
[0071] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid cleaning component is a filtering device or a fluid disinfecting device or a combination of both.
[0072] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid cleaning component and the fluid utilizing component being in fluid communication via hoses coupled therebetween.
[0073] In a working configuration, the upper open end (102e1) of the first interfacing component (102) is coupled to the fluid utilizing component. The second interfacing component (104) is received in the first interfacing component (102) in a manner as shown in the FIG. 1A and FIG. 1D, with the sealing members, engaging formations, resilient member, and locking component as depicted in the FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D. The second engaging formations (104f2) engage with an end of a hose pipe (not shown in the figures) wherein the other end of a hose pipe is connected to a clean side the fluid cleaning component. Further, the through hole (102h1) receives an end of another hose pipe (not shown in the figures), and the other end of another hose pipe is connected to a dirty side of the fluid cleaning component. The fluid to be cleaned is received from the fluid utilizing component into the first interfacing component (102) which interfaces with and is coupled to the fluid utilizing component. More specifically, the bowl-shaped body (102a) of the first interfacing component (102) which interfaces with and is coupled to the fluid utilizing component receives the used fluid, which needs to be cleaned. The fluid to be cleaned is then received by the fluid cleaning component through the hose connected between the through hole (102h1) and the fluid cleaning component. The fluid is cleaned, and the cleaned fluid is received by the second interfacing component (104) from the fluid cleaning component through a hose. The cleaned fluid is further received by the fluid utilizing component through the second interfacing component.
[0074] The apparatus (100) for a leakproof fluidic communication between two space separated components have the following features and/advantages which are not existing in the prior art apparatus.
[0075] Due to provision of one axial sealing member and one radial sealing member, the problem of cutting/damaging of sealing members due to mis-alignment of the bowl is reduced or eliminated. The problem of mis-alignment of the bowl is reduced or eliminated due to provision of the second component. The second component includes two additional sealing members, one just above the radial sealing member (104s2) and one below the radial sealing member (104s2).
[0076] Further, the second component is provided with a resilient member which enables hard stop to the second component when fitted along with the first component as shown in the figures. The resilient member absorbs the vibrations emanating from the fluid utilizing component, and further reduces the mis-alignment of the first component.
[0077] The second component is tightened in place by applying a specific torque which further reduces the chances of loosening and gap generation between the first component and the fluid utilizing component.
[0078] The first component or the bowl is having a shoulder region on either side of the groove (102g) which enables stable contact between the edge of the upper open end (102e1) and the contacting surface of the fluid utilizing component. More specifically since both the bowl and the contacting surface of the fluid utilizing component are metallic there is a metal-to-metal contact, which reduces the cantilever like movement of the bowl as at one end of the bowl a hose or conduit is connected to receive the dirty fluid through the through hole (102h1), wherein the weight of the hose or conduit acts on the bowl which tilts the bowl. This tilting may lead to vibrations, more compression of the axial sealing member on one side and less compression on other side. This may further lead the sealing member to protrude out of the groove on the side where the compression is less and may lead to deformation and damage of the sealing member due to heat and vibrations. However, as there is metal-to-metal contact in case of the presently disclosed apparatus, which prevents the tilting of the bowl and hence the related problems and finally the leakage of fluid.
[0079] Though the present disclosure recites use of only a first interfacing component and a second interfacing component, and a connection between a single fluid utilizing component and a fluid cleaning component, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be suitably modified by a person having ordinary skill in the art to use with multiple fluid utilizing components and fluid cleaning components.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for a leakproof fluidic communication, the apparatus characterized by having:
- a first component (102) to sealably couple and interface with a fluid utilizing component and receive a dirty fluid to be cleaned from the fluid utilizing component;
- a second component (104) to sealably couple and interface with a fluid cleaning component and receive a cleaned fluid from the fluid cleaning component to be supplied to the fluid utilizing component;
wherein the fluid utilizing component and the fluid cleaning component are space-separated;
wherein the first component (102) receiving and retaining the second component (104) while isolating the dirty fluid and the clean fluid from each other;
wherein an axial sealing member (102s) is disposed between the first component (102) and the fluid utilizing component; and
wherein a radial sealing member (104s2) is disposed between the first component (102) and the second component (104).
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sealing member (102s) and the second sealing member (104s2) are each an O-ring, wherein the first sealing member (102s) is made of viton, and the second sealing member (104s2) is made of rubber.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
- the fluid utilizing component wherein the fluid utilizing component is one selected from the group consisting of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic device, and combinations thereof, and
- the fluid cleaning component is a fluid filter for cleaning the fluid received from the fluid utilizing component, and the fluid is engine oil.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component (102) having:
- a bowl-shaped body (102a):
o terminating in an upper open end (102e1) defining an edge and a lower closed end (102e2), the upper open end (102e1) being eccentrically aligned with the lower closed end (102e2), wherein the eccentricity between the upper open end (102e1) and the lower closed end (102e2) being in the range of – 5 % to + 5 %;
o having a through hole (102h) formed on the lower closed end (102e2), the through hole (102h) configured to sealably receive a portion of the second component (104) therein;
o having a peripheral wall (102w) extending between the upper open end (102e1) and the lower closed end (102e2), the peripheral wall (102w) disposed at an angle ? with respect to a central vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a), wherein the angle ? is having a value in the range of 30? to 60?;
o a through hole (102h1) formed on the peripheral wall (102w), the through hole (102h1) facilitating egress of the dirty fluid to be cleaned therethrough;
o a groove (102g) configured on the edge of the upper open end (102e1), wherein the edge abuts with a free surface of the fluid utilizing component, with the axial sealing member (102s) disposed within the groove (102g) therein compressing the axial sealing member (102s) to seal and confine the fluid within the bowl-shaped body (102a).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second component (104) having:
- a longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a):
o terminating in an upper open end (104e1) and a lower open end (104e2), the upper open end (104e1) eccentrically aligned with the lower open end (104e2), wherein the eccentricity between the upper open end (104e1) and the lower open end (104e2) is in the range of – 5 % to + 5 %;
o having a through passage (104b) configured between the upper open end (104e1) and the lower open end (104e2), the through passage (104b) having an eccentricity in the range of 0 to 0.2, the through passage (104b) facilitating flow of cleaned fluid from the fluid cleaning component to the fluid utilizing component;
o first engaging formations (104f1) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) in proximity of the upper open end (104e1), the first engaging formations (104f1) facilitating coupling of the second component (104) to the fluid utilizing component;
o second engaging formations (104f2) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) in proximity of the lower open end (104e2), the second engaging formations (104f2) facilitating coupling of the second component (104) with the fluid cleaning component;
o third engaging formations (104f3) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and above the second engaging formations (104f2), the third engaging formations (104f3) facilitating coupling of the first component (102) with the fluid utilizing component;
o a head (104h) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and below the first engaging formations (104f1), the head (104h) having diametric dimension greater than a maximum diametric dimension of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a), and having a hexagonal shape;
o a smooth surface portion (104c) configured on an outer surface of the longitudinal hollow tubular body (104a) adjacent to and below the head (104h), the smooth surface portion (104c) configured to be received in the through hole (102h) of the first component (102);
o a first groove (104g1) configured between the first engaging formations (104f1) and the head (104h); the first groove (104g1) configured to receive a first sealing member (104s1) therein;
o a second groove (104g2) configured between the smooth surface portion (104c) and the third engaging formations (104f3); the second groove (104g2) configured to receive a second sealing member (104s2) therein;
o a third groove (104g3) configured between the third engaging formations (104f3) and the second engaging formations (104f2); the third groove (104g3) configured to receive a third sealing member (104s3) therein;
o a locking component (104l) having a through hole (104lh), the through hole (104lh) having engaging formations (104lf) configured on an inner surface thereof, the engaging formations (104lf) being complimentary to the third engaging formations (104f3), the locking component (104l) engageably received over the third engaging formations (104f3) and being configured to fixedly secure the first component (102) with the second component (104); and
o a resilient member (104m) received between the locking component (104l) and the first component (102), the resilient member (104m) configured to absorb vibrations from the fluid utilizing component, the fluid cleaning component, the first component (102) and the second component (104).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the through hole (102h) having an inner peripheral surface (102s1) comprising a first surface (102f1) and a second surface (102f2), wherein the first surface (102f1) being concentric about the central vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a), and the second surface (102f2) being at an angle ? with respect to the vertical axis passing through a geometric center of the bowl-shaped body (102a).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the angle ? is in the range of 91? to 135?.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 being made of one material selected from the group consisting of metal, non-metal, metalloid, alloy, and combinations thereof.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid cleaning component and the fluid utilizing components being in fluid communication via hoses coupled therebetween.
Dated this 31 July, 2023
For the Applicant: Fleetguard Filters Private Limited

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
The Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA – 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office,
At Mumbai