FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
FLUID FILTER
FLEETGUARD FILTERS PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian Company having registered address at:
136, Park Marina Road,
Baner, Pune - 411 045, MH, India
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid filter, and more specifically, to a fluid filter with a spring positioned between the nut plate and the filter element and a modified bottom end cap with modified end-plate.
BACKGROUND
Fluid Filters comprise multiple parts arranged in a particular manner. In many instances, it is desirable to partially or completely redesign these components to overcome any difficulty observed in performance, efficiency or production. However, the design of a fluid filter and its components must fulfill the filtration quality criteria set by the user and the rate of filtration criteria required by the various mechanisms. Additionally, the design of a filter assembly and its components also must overcome constraints related to manufacturing processes and production lines. For example, a 3 stage FWS (fuel water separator) needs a manufacturing process ensuring effective sealing in desired places, needing in turn a design that avoids the general spin-on design and uses modifications in existing J-hook designs.
The most challenging design problem which affects existing fluid filters is ensuring effective sealing between the clean and dirty side of an FWS. Typically, spin-on designs create a blind operational spot as effective sealing between the clean and dirty sides is maintained by a lip seal over-molded on the bottom end-plate. As the spin-on design requires a twist, effective sealing by the lip seal is not assured. Therefore, such a design is not production friendly. Another problem associated with spin-on designs is the larger force required to push down the cartridge during assembly. This further results in additional effort to

pull back the cartridge during maintenance.
Traditionally, J-hook designs did not employ a means for positive sealing force for the bottom seal. This made the fluid filters susceptible to fail as the bottom sealing was not ensured due to movement of the filter element during loctite dispensing. A better design was needed even in the cases where means for creating positive sealing force for the bottom seal are employed as the filter element will be still required to be moved for loctite dispensing.
Therefore, there is a need for a more production friendly design of a fluid filter which can ensure effective sealing and supports easy assembly.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure seeks to provide a fluid filter with a spring positioned between the nut plate and the filter element and a modified bottom end cap with modified end-plate.
In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fluid filter with a housing having a top end and a bottom end. The housing defines a hook portion at the top end and a wedge near the bottom end. The fluid filter includes an end plate having a collar. The end plate is placed near the bottom end such that its collar rests on the wedge of the housing. A filter element is placed above the end plate and is positioned centrally inside the housing. A top end cap is placed near the top end to receive the filter element. A nut plate is included and is placed over the spring. The nut plate is shaped in a manner to engage with the hook portion of the housing. A sealing element is placed over the nut plate for completing the fluid filter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid filter is provided. The

fluid filter includes a cylindrical housing having an open top end, a bottom end and a hollow interior. The fluid filter includes a filter element having a closed bottom end cap, an open top end cap and a media block extending between the closed bottom end cap and the open top end cap characterized in that the housing having a wedge formed near the bottom end and a hook formed by bending the open top end towards the hollow interior; an end plate positioned on the wedge formed near the bottom end of the housing such that the bottom end cap of the filter element is placed on the end plate centrally positioning the filter element within the hollow interior of the housing; a spring and a nut plate placed in such a manner that the spring is placed on the top end cap of the filter element positioned between the nut plate and the filter element; and; a sealing element placed on top of the nut plate such that an air tight sealing is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing.
In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling a fluid filter assembly with a spring positioned between the nut plate and the filter element and a modified bottom end cap with modified end-plate.
In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling a fluid filter assembly. The method of assembling a fluid filter includes providing a housing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a hollow interior, and a wedge formed near the closed bottom end; inserting an end plate within the housing such that the end plate is positioned on the wedge; inserting a filter element having a closed bottom cap, an open top cap, and a media block extending between the bottom cap and the top cap, within the housing and placing it on the end plate such that the closed bottom end cap of the filter element is in contact with the end plate; placing a spring on the open top cap of the filter

element. The method further includes arranging a nut plate on top of the spring; pushing the nut plate downwards such that the spring is compressed; forming a hook portion by bending the open top end of the housing towards the hollow interior of the housing. Further, the method includes placing a sealing element between the nut plate and the hook portion of the housing, and releasing the nut plate such that the nut plate compresses the sealing element and forms an air tight sealing between the hook portion of the housing and the nut plate.
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
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.
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 of a fluid filter in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2A is a perspective sectional view of the fluid filter of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2B is a front sectional view of the fluid filter of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of a bottom end of the fluid filter and Fig. 3B is a enlarged view of a top end of the fluid filter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 is a step wise method of assembling of a fluid filter, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5 is a step wise method of assembling of a fluid filter, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
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 non-underlined 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
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode 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 are also possible.
In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fluid filter with a housing having a top end and a bottom end. The housing defines a hook portion at the top end and a wedge near the bottom end. The fluid filter includes an end plate having a collar. The end plate is placed near the bottom end such that its collar rests on the wedge of the housing. A filter element is placed above the end plate and is positioned centrally inside the housing. A top end cap is placed near the top end to receive the filter element. A nut plate is included and is placed over the spring. The nut plate is shaped in a manner to engage with the hook portion of the housing. A sealing element is placed over the nut plate for completing the fluid filter.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the filter manufacturers, consumers and suppliers.
Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid filter 100 in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As may be seen, the housing 102 has a cylindrical shape and includes a top end 104 and a bottom end 106. In an embodiment, the top end 104 and the bottom end 106 are integrally formed in one piece with the housing 102. In another embodiment, the bottom end 106 is integrally formed in one piece with the housing 102 having an opening 214 at the bottom end 106 and the top end 104 makes an open end. In a further embodiment, the bottom end 106 has a reduced diameter than the top end 104. The housing 102 includes a hollow interior 108.
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.
Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B depict the sectional views of the fluid filter 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2A, the fluid filter 100 includes a filter element 204 having a top end cap 200 and a bottom end cap 202. As shown, the fluid filter 100 includes a centrally positioned filter element 204 for receiving and filtering the unfiltered fuel, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the top end cap 200 and the bottom end cap 202 may be shaped so as to receive and support a media block, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Further referring to Fig. 2A & 2B, the fluid filter 100 includes a spring 206 placed above the top end cap 200. As may be seen, the fluid filter 100 further includes a nut plate 208 placed above the spring 206. In an embodiment, the nut plate 208 is made of over molded rubber. In another embodiment the nut plate 208 is made of a metallic material. A sealing element 210 is placed at the top of the nut plate 208 to complete the arrangement at the top end 104. As shown at the bottom end 106, an end plate 212 receives and supports the filter element 204.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the sealing element 210 may be a either one of a gasket or a sealant.
Fig. 2A and 2B are merely examples. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B depict the enlarged view of the bottom end 106 and the top end 104 shown in Fig. 2A & 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present

disclosure. As may be seen in Fig. 3A, the hollow interior 108 of the housing 102 is reduced in diameter towards the bottom end 106 to create a wedge 300. The wedge 300 ensures that a hard stop is created for the filter element 204. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the end plate 212 includes a collar 302, added to ensure resting on the wedge 300. A lip seal 304 is provided to ensure appropriate sealing.
As may be seen in Fig. 3B, a hook portion 306 is formed by bending the top end 104 of the housing 102 towards the hollow interior 108. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the nut plate 208 is shaped in such a way to engage with the hook portion 306 of the housing 102. The nut plate 208 is also shaped to receive the spring 206. The spring 206 placed between the nut plate 208 and the top end cap 200 provides a positive sealing force. As may be seen, the sealing element 210 is placed over the nut plate 208.
In yet another embodiment the bottom end cap 202 may have a structure similar to the end plate 212 integrally formed with the bottom end cap such that the filter element 204 rests directly on the wedge 300.
Fig. 3A and 3B are merely examples. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 illustrates a method 400 for manufacturing the fluid filter 100 and its various components, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a first step 402 providing housing 102 having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a hollow interior, and a wedge 300 formed near the closed bottom end. A second step 404 an end plate 212 within the housing 102 such that the end plate 212

is positioned on the wedge 300. A third step 406 constitutes inserting the filter element 204 inside the housing 102 and placing it on the end plate 212.
The method 400 further includes a fourth step 408 constituting positioning a spring 208 on the top end of the filter element 204. A fifth step 410 provides for positioning a nut plate 208 on top of the spring 206. A sixth step 412 pushing the nut plate 208 downwards such that the spring 206 is compressed. A seventh step 414 constitutes forming a hook portion 306 by bending the open top end of the housing 102 towards the hollow interior 108. An eighth step 416 constitutes placing a sealing element between the nut plate 208 and the hook portion 306 of the housing 102. A ninth and final step 418 constitutes releasing the nut plate 208 so as to achieve an air tight sealing between the hook portion 306 and the nut plate 208 as a function of the sealing element placed between them. It must be understood that the foregoing steps defined herein are subject to modifications so as to reduce the number of steps by combining two or more steps as one.
Fig. 5 illustrates a method 500 for manufacturing the fluid filter 100 and its various components, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a first step 502 constitutes providing housing 102 having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a hollow interior, and a wedge 300 formed near the closed bottom end. A second step 504 constitutes inserting a filter element 204 having a top end cap 200 and a bottom end cap 202 within the hollow interior 108 of the housing 102. A third step 506 constitutes positioning the filter element 204 inside the housing 102 in a manner such that the bottom end cap 202 is placed on the wedge 300.
The method 500 further includes a fourth step 508 constituting positioning a spring 208 on the top end of the filter element 204. A fifth step 510 provides for positioning

a nut plate 208 on top of the spring 206. A sixth step 512 constitutes pushing the nut plate 208 downwards such that the spring 206 is compressed. A seventh step 514 constitutes forming a hook portion 306 by bending the open top end of the housing 102 towards the hollow interior 108. An eighth step 516 constitutes placing a sealing element between the nut plate 208 and the hook portion 306 of the housing 102. A ninth and final step 518 constitutes releasing the nut plate 208 so as to achieve an air tight sealing between the hook portion 306 and the nut plate 208 as a function of the sealing element placed between them. It must be understood that the foregoing steps defined herein are subject to modifications so as to reduce the number of steps by combining two or more steps as one.
Fig. 4 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the disclosure herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of fluid filters.
Modifications to 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.

We Claim:
1. A fluid filter comprising:
a cylindrical housing having an open top end, a bottom end and a hollow
interior;
a filter element having a closed bottom end cap, an open top end cap and a
media block extending between the closed bottom end cap and the open top end
cap characterized in that;
the housing having a wedge formed near the bottom end and a hook
formed by bending the open top end towards the hollow interior;
an end plate positioned on the wedge formed near the bottom end of
the housing such that the bottom end cap of the filter element is
placed on the end plate centrally positioning the filter element within
the hollow interior of the housing;
a spring and a nut plate placed in such a manner that the spring is
placed on the top end cap of the filter element positioned between the
nut plate and the filter element, and;
a sealing element placed on top of the nut plate such that an air tight
sealing is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion formed
at the top end of the housing.
2. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a gasket positioned between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing.
3. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a sealant disposed between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the

housing such that an air tight seal is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion.
4. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the housing has an opening for discharging fluid.
5. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end plate is formed integrally with the bottom end cap of the filter element such that the filter element rests directly on the wedge formed near the bottom end of the housing.
6. A method of assembling a fluid filter comprising:
providing a housing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a hollow interior, and a wedge formed near the closed bottom end;
inserting an end plate within the housing such that the end plate is positioned on the wedge;
inserting a filter element having a closed bottom cap, an open top cap, and a media block extending between the bottom cap and the top cap, within the housing and placing it on the end plate such that the closed bottom end cap of the filter element is in contact with the end plate;
placing a spring on the open top cap of the filter element;
arranging a nut plate on top of the spring;
pushing the nut plate downwards such that the spring is compressed;
forming a hook portion by bending the open top end of the housing towards the hollow interior of the housing;
placing a sealing element between the nut plate and the hook portion of the housing;
releasing the nut plate such that the nut plate compresses the sealing element

and forms an air tight sealing between the hook portion of the housing and the nut plate.
7. The method of assembling a fluid filter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sealing element is a gasket placed between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing.
8. The method of assembling a fluid filter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sealing element is a sealant disposed between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing such that an air tight seal is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion.
9. A fluid filter comprising:
a cylindrical housing having an open top end, a bottom end and a hollow
interior;
a filter element having a closed bottom end cap, an open top end cap and a
media block extending between the closed bottom end cap and the open top end
cap characterized in that;
the housing having a wedge formed near the bottom end and a hook formed by bending the open top end towards the hollow interior; the bottom end cap of the filter element is placed directly on the wedge formed near the bottom of the housing centrally positioning the filter element within the hollow interior of the housing;
a spring and a nut plate placed in such a manner that the spring is placed on the open top end cap of the filter element positioned between the nut plate and the filter element; and;

a sealing element placed on top of the nut plate such that an air tight sealing is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing.
10. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sealing element is a gasket positioned between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing.
11. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sealing element is a sealant disposed between the nut plate and the hook portion formed at the top end of the housing such that an air tight seal is obtained between the nut plate and the hook portion.
12. The fluid filter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bottom end of the housing has an opening for discharging fluid.
Dated the 14th day of April, 2020