Filter Assembly Leaf Spring Core Element Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter assemblies for hydraulic systems face issues with fluid spillage during element replacement and the risk of forgetting to reinstall the core element, leading to costly mistakes and potential system failure.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly design featuring a coupling assembly with a leaf spring that securely attaches the core element to the filter housing, preventing removal and ensuring it remains in place, along with a valve assembly that prevents fluid spillage by blocking flow when the housing is separated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter housing is separated from the filter head to replace the filter element, then the filter element can be accessed and replaced, but fluid spills from the conduit attached to the outlet port
Solution Approach 1:
A valve assembly is incorporated into the filter head that automatically closes the outlet port when the filter housing is separated from the filter head. This preliminary anti-action prevents fluid spillage before the harmful effect can occur during maintenance operations.
2Ease of repair
If the core element is made removable for cleaning, then it can be maintained, but it may be forgotten during filter element replacement leading to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The core element is segmented into a filter support portion and a coupling assembly portion. The coupling assembly includes a leaf spring that provides automatic retention, allowing the core element to be easily removed for cleaning while preventing it from being forgotten during filter element replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring coupling assembly provides tactile and visual feedback when the core element is properly installed or removed. This feedback mechanism ensures operators are aware of the core element's status, preventing system failure while still allowing maintenance.
3Reliability
If a coupling assembly with leaf spring is used to secure the core element, then the core element remains in place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring coupling assembly is designed to be self-retaining and self-latching. Once the core element is installed, the leaf spring automatically engages to secure it in place without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively prevents fluid spillage and ensures the core element is not forgotten during replacements, reducing costs and ensuring system safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the leaf spring resiliently deforms to bulge in the direction of insertion of the leaf spring into the housing, thereby preventing removal of the leaf spring, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, from the filter housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A filter assembly comprises a filter housing (23) into which a filter element is insertable. A core element (38) is provided extending within the housing (23). The filter assembly comprises a coupling assembly (200) that is insertable into the housing (23), the coupling assembly (200) comprising a leaf spring (201) having a span larger than an internal diameter of the filter housing (23), such that when the leaf spring (201) is inserted into the filter housing (23) the outer edge of the leaf spring (201) engages an inner surface of the filter housing (23) and the leaf spring (201) bulges in the direction of insertion of the leaf spring into the housing, preventing removal of the leaf spring, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, from the filter housing (23), the coupling assembly (200) comprising a connecting part for connecting the core element (38) to the coupling assembly (200).