Annular Filter Device with Rotary Locking Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and replacement of filter devices with annular filter elements are complex due to their integrated design, making them costly and difficult to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A filter device design featuring a detachable closure part that connects the filter element and cover independently, allowing for simplified assembly and maintenance by using a rotary locking mechanism that reduces locking forces and eliminates the need for high-friction sealing, enabling tool-free form-fitting connections and easy disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter element and cover are integrated as a coherent structural unit, then the sealing and structural integrity are improved, but the assembly and disassembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device is divided into separate components: the filter element, the cover, and a closure part that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining sealing integrity through the closure part's connecting function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure part acts as an intermediary component between the filter element and the cover. It provides the connecting function that previously required integration, enabling simple assembly and disassembly while ensuring reliable sealing through its intermediate positioning and fastening role

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the filter element and cover form a mandatory coherent structural unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the maintenance cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the filter device into replaceable components (filter element, cover, closure part), the system allows selective replacement of the filter element without replacing the entire assembly. This maintains structural stability during operation while significantly improving maintenance efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element can be easily removed and replaced while the cover and closure part remain in place. This enables the expensive cover to be recovered and reused, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining the structural stability of the overall device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Force

If a rotary locking mechanism is used to connect the closure part, then the locking forces are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking forceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure part incorporates a rotary locking mechanism that transitions from a static connection to a dynamic locking process. The rotary movement enables the closure part to lock into position with reduced forces, and the mechanism can be easily reversed for disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary locking mechanism is designed to be operated manually without external tools or complex actuation systems. The user simply rotates the closure part to lock or unlock, making the system self-servicing and reducing the need for additional complex locking components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2680937B1Filter device having an annular filter element
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP2680937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2680937B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2680937B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter device having an annular filter element, wherein said filter device is connected to a cover of a filter housing with the aid of a locking piece, wherein the connection between the locking piece and the top cover and/or the connection between the locking piece and the filter element is separable.