TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to filter elements for filtering fluids in internal combustion engine systems or the like.

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion engines generally combust a mixture of fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) and air. Prior to entering the engine, the fluid (e.g., liquid, air, etc.) is typically passed through a filtration system to remove contaminants (e.g., dust, water, oil, etc.) from the fluid. The filtration system includes a filter element having filter media. As the fluid passes through the filter media of the filter element, the filter media removes at least a portion of the contaminants in the fluid, thereby preventing unwanted contaminants from entering the internal combustion engine. In some cases, unauthorized or non-genuine replacement filter elements may be installed in the filtration systems during servicing operations. The unauthorized and non-genuine replacement filter elements may be of inferior quality to genuine, authorized filter elements and/or may not allow proper alignment of the filter element and auxiliary flow passages within a filter housing. Thus, the use of unauthorized or non-genuine replacement filter elements may cause damage to the engine by allowing contaminants past the filter element, restrict flow through one or more flow passages, and/or prevent proper installation of the filter element within the filter housing.

Filter elements often include a seal member that is compressed against a component of the filtration system housing or another portion of the filtration system. The seal member forms a seal between the filtration system housing and the filter element, thereby preventing fluid from bypassing the filter element (e.g., for air to bypass an air filter element or liquid to bypass a liquid filter element). The seal can be formed by, for example, a key element deposed on the filter element and a complementary key slot disposed on the housing. If an improper filter element (i.e., a non-authorized or non-genuine filter element) is installed in a filtration system, or if the proper filter element is installed incorrectly, the seal member of the filter element may not form a proper seal, and fluid may bypass the filter element, causing damage to downstream components.

SUMMARY

Various example embodiments relate to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a filter housing having a first housing end and a second housing end. The filter housing includes a housing cover defining an outlet. The housing cover includes a first guidance element extending from an internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. A second guidance element extends from the internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. A filter element has a first filter end and a second filter end. The filter element includes an end cap adjacent the first filter end and defining an end cap opening therethrough. The end cap includes a channel around the end cap opening. Filter media has a first media end and a second media end. The filter media extends axially from the first media end toward the second media end. The first media end is adjacent the end cap. The filer media defines a central opening that extends axially between the first media end and the second media end. A center tube is positioned within the central opening of the filter media. A first tube end is positioned within the channel of the end cap, and a second tube end is positioned axially away from the first tube end. The center tube includes a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The second pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The first pocket orientation and the second pocket orientation are non-parallel to a central axis laterally along the first tube end. Engagement of the first filter end and the housing cover occurs when the first pocket receives the first housing guidance element and the second pocket receives the second housing guidance element of the filter housing.

Another example embodiment relates to a filter element. The filter element includes an end cap adjacent the first filter end and defining an end cap opening therethrough. The end cap includes a channel around the end cap opening. Filter media has a first media end and a second media end. The filter media extends axially from the first media end toward the second media end. The first media end is adjacent the end cap. The filer media defines a central opening that extends axially between the first media end and the second media end. A center tube is positioned within the central opening of the filter media. A first tube end is positioned within the channel of the end cap and a second tube end is positioned axially away from the first tube end. The center tube includes a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The second pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The first pocket orientation and the second pocket orientation are non-parallel to a central axis laterally along the first tube end. Engagement of the first filter end and the housing cover occurs when the first pocket receives the first housing guidance element and the second pocket receives the second housing guidance element of the filter housing.

Another example embodiment relates to a filter housing. The filter housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end. The filter housing includes a housing cover defining an outlet. The housing cover includes a first guidance element extending from an internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. The first guidance element includes a first shaft that extends from the internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet and a first face portion positioned at an end of the first shaft. A second guidance element extends from the internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. The second guidance element includes a second shaft that extends from the internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet and a second face portion positioned at an end of the second shaft. The second guidance element orientation and the first guidance element orientation are non-parallel to a central axis laterally along the first housing end. The first guidance element is configured to be inserted into a first pocket of a filter element. The second guidance element is configured to be inserted into a second pocket of the filter element. Engagement of the filter element and the filter housing occurs when the first pocket receives the first face portion and a portion of the first shaft of the first housing guidance element and the second pocket receives the second face portion and a portion of the second shaft of the second housing guidance element of the filter housing.

Another example embodiment relates to a method of filter element installation. The method include providing a filter housing. The filter housing has a first housing end and a second housing end. The filter housing includes a housing cover defining an outlet. The housing cover includes a first guidance element extending from an internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. A second guidance element extends from the internal portion of the housing cover axially away from the outlet. A filter element is positioned within the internal portion of the housing cover. The filter element has a first filter end and a second filter end. The filter element includes an end cap adjacent the first filter end and defining an end cap opening therethrough. The end cap includes a channel around the end cap opening. A center tube is positioned within the channel. A first tube end is positioned within the channel of the end cap, and a second tube end is positioned axially away from the first tube end. The center tube includes a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The second pocket extends from the first tube end axially away from the second tube end. The first pocket orientation and the second pocket orientation are non-parallel to a central axis laterally along the first tube end. The first pocket of the filter element is aligned with the first guidance element of the filter housing and the second pocket of the filter element is aligned with the second guidance element of the filter housing by rotating the filter element within the internal portion of the housing. The first pocket of the filter element is inserted into the first guidance element of the filter housing and the second pocket of the filter element is inserted into the second guidance element of the filter housing. Engagement of the first filter end and the housing cover occurs when the first pocket receives the first housing guidance element and the second pocket receives the second housing guidance element of the filter housing.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

