Filter Base Retention Using Radial Projections for Tool-Free Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter installation and removal methods, particularly for high-pressure applications, require tools and time, leading to equipment downtime and issues with lost collars in field servicing, and are limited by traditional threaded connections.

Innovation Solution

A non-threaded connection system using radial projections from a baseplate, combined with a collar and seal system, provides a secure and tool-free mounting interface capable of withstanding pressures over 100 PSI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded connections are used to attach filters to bases, then secure attachment and pressure containment are achieved, but installation and removal require tools and time, leading to equipment downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into a filter element and a separate baseplate with radial projections. The baseplate acts as an independent mounting interface that can be quickly attached to and removed from the filter element without threading operations, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of threading the filter onto a stud (traditional approach), the invention inverts the connection method by using radial projections on the baseplate that engage with corresponding features on the filter housing. This reverse approach eliminates the need for threaded fastening while providing secure attachment through radial engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If collars are used to attach filters to bases, then installation and removal are simplified, but collars can become lost if not permanently attached, causing service problems in the field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and removalVSAvoidcollar retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate with radial projections is merged with the filter housing to form an integrated mounting structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate collars that could be lost, while the radial projections provide the necessary engagement features for tool-free attachment and removal. The integrated design ensures the mounting features cannot be lost or separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radial projections on the baseplate serve as intermediary engagement features between the filter housing and the mounting structure. These projections act as a mediator that provides both the ease of operation (simple attachment) and reliability (secure retention) without requiring separate collars that could be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If non-threaded connections with radial projections are used, then tool-free installation and removal are enabled, but the connection must withstand high pressures over 100 PSI

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free installationVSAvoidoperating pressure capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate and filter housing are designed as composite structures with radial projections that distribute pressure loads across multiple engagement points. The combination of the baseplate material, seal elements, and radial projection geometry creates a composite connection system capable of withstanding high pressures while maintaining tool-free installation and removal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from traditional axial threading to radial projection engagement. The radial dimension provides additional load distribution and mechanical advantage, allowing the non-threaded connection to withstand high pressures by distributing forces across multiple radial engagement points rather than relying solely on axial threading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stress or pressure

If traditional threaded stud mounting is used for hydraulic filters, then pressure capability is maintained, but service time increases and equipment downtime results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure capabilityVSAvoidservice speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate with radial projections is pre-assembled with the filter housing during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install mounting interface. This preliminary action eliminates the need for threading operations during field service, allowing filters to be quickly attached and removed without compromising pressure capability, thereby increasing service speed and reducing equipment downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4126292B1Filter and filter base retention system

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 BALDWIN FILTERS INC

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AI summary

A filter such as a liquid filter for use with a filter head that includes a filter base collar is provided. The collar retains the filter to the filter base and includes a plurality of protrusions and receiving gaps between adjacent protrusions. The filter has a mounting interface including an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of radial projections, with the mounting interface configured for fluid communication filter head and with the radial projections being arranged in an annular array configured to pass through the receiving gaps and also configured to axially engage the protrusions of the collar.