Claims:What is claimed is:
1. A filter head for a fuel filter, the filter head comprising:
a first part comprising a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape; and
a second part comprising a cantilever area coupled to the first part;
characterized in that:
the second part is made in a flitched type design by using a combination of a steel
plate and a plastic.
2. The filter head of claim 1, wherein the plastic is a polyamide.
3. The filter head of claim 2, wherein the polyamide is a PA66 GF30.
4. The filter head of claim 1, wherein the steel plate is made of BSK46 grade steel.
5. The filter head of claim 1, wherein the flitched type design of the second part
includes the steel plate molded inside the plastic.
6. The filter head of claim 1, wherein the flitched type design of the second part
includes the steel plate sandwiched between plastics from both sides.
7. A filter head for a fuel filter, the filter head comprising:
a first part having a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape and made of
PA66 GF30 plastic; and
a second part having a cantilever area coupled to the first part, and made of a
combination of PA66 GF30 plastic and BSK46 grade steel;
characterized in that:
the second part is made in a flitched type design.
8. The filter head of claim 7, wherein the flitched type design of the second part
includes the BSK46 steel molded inside the PA66 GF30 plastic.

9. The filter head of claim 8, wherein the flitched type design of the second part
includes the BSK46 steel sandwiched between the PA66 GF30 plastics from both
sides. , Description:FILTER HEAD
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a fuel/lubricant filtration system for
a vehicle, and more specifically to a filter head for the fuel/lubricant filtration system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] All vehicle’s internal combustion engine requires an efficient and easy to
maintain fuel/lubricant filtration system. One of the most essential parts of the
fuel/lubricant filtration system is a filter head fitted to enable supply of clean
fuel/lubricant for efficient and safe functioning of the internal combustion engine.
Typically, any filter head’s design must fulfill two criteria. The first criterion is resistance
for bending and the second criterion is the capacity to endure stress. Presently, highpressure
die-cast (hereinafter referred to as HPDC) aluminium alloys are being most
widely used for manufacturing filter heads across industry. Aluminium alloys are
versatile, corrosion resistant, and may withstand high operating
temperatures.
[0003] But, the HPDC aluminium alloys need a very lengthy manufacturing process
and the product of casting process requires machining afterwards. Further, the casting
process is a very environmental impacting process, including its sub-processes like
melting of the alloy or metal treatment. Furthermore, any casting process includes the
risk of leakage or inherent porosity inside the casting. The sub-process of
impregnation hides the porosity and may cause safety/leakage issues by opening of
the pores during operation. The machining done afterwards causes hidden porosity to
open again and causes increased number of product rejections. This in turn increases
the overall lead time.
[0004] Thus, the present process is expensive including excessive man hours,
increased lead time, more machines required for handling processes, increased power
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consumption, and a lot of rejections. But, the present process may only be replaced if
the design of the filter head is changed such that a new material may be used. Thus,
there is a need for a design of the filter head which uses materials having much lesser
environmental impact than casting and are less expensive.
[0005] The present invention deals with the design of the filter head balancing the
above-mentioned factors and provides an improved and alternative embodiment
ensuring compact and efficient design with both better resistance for bending and
increased capacity to endure stress.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as
solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by
the inventor in conventional systems.
[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel filter is
provided. The filter head comprises a first part and a second part. The first part
comprises a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape. The second part comprises
a cantilever area coupled to the hemispherical area of the first part. The second part
is made in a flitched type design by using a combination of a steel plate and a plastic.
[0008] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel
filter is provided. The first part comprises a fluid containing area of hemispherical
shape and made of PA66 GF30 plastic. The second part comprising a cantilever area
coupled to the first part and made from a combination of PA66 GF30 plastic and
BSK46 grade steel.
[0009] In further aspects of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel filter
is provided. The filter head comprises a first part and a second part. The first comprises
a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape and made of PA66 GF30 plastic. The
second part comprising a cantilever area coupled to the first part and made from a
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combination of PA66 GF30 plastic and BSK46 grade steel. The second part is made
in a flitched type design.
[0010] In yet another aspect, a filter head comprising a first part and a second part
with enhanced resistance for bending and increased capacity to endure stress is
provided.
[0011] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure
would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the
illustrative embodiments.
[0012] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to
being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure as defined by the below mentioned detailed description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions
of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not
limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in
the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like
elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view depicting a filter head, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
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Fig. 2 depicts top and side perspective views of the filter head of Fig. 1 showing
direction of fuel flow, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, and Fig. 3C illustrate cross-sectional views of the filter head of Fig. 2
along the section AA, the sections (BB, CC, & DD), and the section EE respectively,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 depicts top and side perspective views of the filter head of Fig. 1 showing the
flitched type design of the second part, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary steel plate for the flitched type design of the second part,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 6 illustrates arrangement of steel inserts when the filter head is being coupled to
an attachment, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent
an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the
underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified
by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is nonunderlined
and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is
used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present
disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although some modes of
carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would
recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure
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are also possible. The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should
be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols,
and the like, described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.
[0017] Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and
phrases include the meanings provided below. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or
apparent from context, the terms and phrases below do not exclude the meaning that
the term or phrase has acquired in the art to which it pertains. The definitions are
provided to aid in describing particular embodiments of the aspects described herein,
and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention
is limited only by the claims. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular
terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.
[0018] As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to
compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the
invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not.
[0019] The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and”
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to the
“method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein,
and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this
disclosure and so forth.
[0020] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein
can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials
are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes”. The abbreviation, “e.g.”
is derived from the Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting
example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example”.
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[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel filter is
provided. The filter head comprises a first part and a second part. The first part
comprises a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape. The second part comprises
a cantilever area coupled to the hemispherical area of the first part. The second part
is made in a flitched type design by using a combination of a steel plate and a plastic.
[0022] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel
filter is provided. The first part comprising a fluid containing area of hemispherical
shape and made of PA66 GF30 plastic. The second part comprising a cantilever area
coupled to the first part and made from a combination of PA66 GF30 plastic and
BSK46 grade steel.
[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a filter head design for a fuel filter is
provided.The filter head comprises a first part and a second part. The first comprises
a fluid containing area of hemispherical shape and made of PA66 GF30 plastic. The
second part comprising a cantilever area coupled to the first part and made from a
combination of PA66 GF30 plastic and BSK46 grade steel. The second part is made
in a flitched type design.
[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least
partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the fuel filter manufacturers,
consumers, and suppliers.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Fig. 1
illustrates a filter head 100 depicted in a side perspective view, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The filter head 100 is shown as coupled to an
L-clamp 102. As may be seen, the filter head 100 comprises a first part 104 and a
second part 106.
[0026] Fig. 1 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
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[0027] Fig. 2 depicts top and side perspective views of the filter head 100 of Fig. 1. As
illustrated in the view, the first part 104 comprises a fluid containing area 200 of
hemispherical shape. The first part 104 also comprises an inlet 202 and an outlet 204
for facilitating fuel flow. The second part 106 comprises a cantilever area 206 coupled
to the hemispherical fluid containing area 200 of the first part 104. As may be seen in
the top perspective view, the direction of inbound and outbound flow of fuel is shown
using arrows.
[0028] Fig. 2 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0029] Moving on to Fig. 3A, cross-sectional views of the filter head 100 of Fig. 2 along
the section AA, the section EE are illustrated. As shown, the hemispherical fluid
containing area 200 is shaped like a dome 300 internally. A bleed screw insert 302 is
provided at the top of the fluid containing area 200.
[0030] Fig. 3B shows cross-sectional views of the filter head of 100 Fig. 2 along the
sections (BB, CC, & DD). The cross-section along the line BB shows the inlet 202 and
the outlet 204. Further, threaded inserts 304 are shown as coupled with the inlet 202
and the outlet 204. As is shown in the cross-section along the line DD, the cantilever
area 206 comprises a first mounting hole 306 and a second mounting hole 308. The
cross-section along the line CC shows cross-section of the second part 106 after the
dome 300. As may be seen, the second part 106 is made in a flitched type design.
[0031] The flitched type design is made by using a combination of a steel plate 310
and a plastic 312, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The steel
plate is made of BSK46 grade steel, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The hemispherical fluid containing area 200 and the dome 300 are also
made from the plastic 312, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In
embodiments of the present disclosure, the plastic 312 is a polyamide PA66. The
polyamide is PA66 GF30, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
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[0032] Moving on to Fig. 3C, cross-sectional view of the filter head 100 of Fig. 2 along
the section EE is illustrated. In this view, the dome 300 is completely visible, the steel
plate 310 may be seen along with the mounting holes (306, 308).
[0033] Fig. 3A, 3B, & 3C are merely examples. A person skilled in the art will recognize
many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0034] Now referring to Fig. 4, top and side perspective views of the filter head 100 of
Fig. 1 showing the flitched type design of the second part 106 are depicted. The
flitched type design of the second part 106 includes the steel plate 310 molded inside
the plastic 312, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to
another embodiment of the present disclosure, flitched type design of the second part
106 includes the steel plate 310 sandwiched between the plastic 312 from both sides.
The flitched type design uses the plastic 312 to engulf the steel plate 310, according
to embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination of the steel plate 310 and
the plastic 312 is injection molded in the flitched type
design, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] As may be further seen, a first mounting insert 400 is placed inside the first
mounting hole 306 and a second mounting insert 402 is placed inside the second
mounting hole 308, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, fastening means 404 are placed inside the first mounting insert 400 and
the second mounting insert 402 for completing the assembly.
[0036] Fig. 4 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0037] Moving on to Fig. 5, shape of the steel plate 310 is illustrated. According to an
embodiment of the present disclosure, a hemispherical arc 500 is provided
longitudinally to accommodate the hemispherical fluid containing area 200 (not shown
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here). The shape of the first mounting hole 306 and the second mounting hole 308 is
clearly visible.
[0038] Fig. 5 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0039] Moving on to Fig. 6, a view showing the filter head 100 as coupled to the Lclamp
102 is illustrated. The first mounting insert 400 is shown as placed inside the
first mounting hole 306 and the second mounting insert 402 is shown as placed inside
the second mounting hole 308, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0040] Fig. 6 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes,
including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of the internal combustion
engines.
[0042] Modifications to various embodiments of the present disclosure described in
the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure
as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”,
“comprising”, “incorporating”. “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim
the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner,
namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be
present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.