Interlocking Filter Capsule Brackets for Stable Multi-Capsule Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filter capsules used for filtering and purifying liquids are prone to instability and lack sufficient capacity, making it difficult to maintain them in an upright position and in relative positions for efficient filtering, especially when multiple capsules are required.

Innovation Solution

Interlocking brackets with permanent locking tabs that snap together around the filter capsules, allowing for secure retention in both series and parallel configurations without adhesives or welding, enabling pre-assembly and easy mounting to prevent breakage and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If filter capsules are placed upright on one end during use, then they can operate in the intended orientation, but they become unstable and tend to fall over onto their side

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into two separate portions that can be assembled around the filter capsule. Each portion has a concave surface that contacts the capsule, and they are joined through plug-socket interlocking mechanisms, creating a stable support structure without requiring the capsule to be inherently stable on its own

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as an intermediary structure between the filter capsule and the support surface. Instead of relying on the capsule's own geometry for stability, the bracket mediates the support function, providing a stable base while allowing easy installation and removal of the capsule

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple filter capsules are connected to increase filtering capacity, then the system can handle higher flow rates or more complex filtration sequences, but it becomes difficult to maintain them in position relative to one another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket portions are designed with multiple sockets and plugs that can accommodate various configurations of filter capsules. The same basic bracket design can support single capsules, multiple capsules in parallel, or series arrangements, providing universal functionality for different filtration capacity requirements without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple bracket portions are merged together through the plug-socket interlocking mechanism to form a unified support structure. This allows multiple filter capsules to be connected and maintained in position relative to one another, enabling increased filtering capacity while keeping the connection mechanism simple and standardized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If locking tabs are designed to permanently join bracket portions together, then the connection becomes secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent joining mechanism replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, welds, adhesives) with a molded-in plug-socket interlocking system. The tabs are integrated into the bracket portions during molding, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable permanent connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 interlocking bracket system effectively maintains filter capsules in an upright and stationary position, allowing for increased filtering capacity by connecting multiple capsules in series or parallel configurations, reducing stress and preventing breakage during assembly and use.

Implementation Method 1

The locking tabs may have a tapered leading edge for forcing the tab down to snap into the mating receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The locking tabs may have a raised detent that snaps into a mating receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20100072340A1Interlocking brackets for filter capsules and method of forming the same

Publication Date: 2010.03.25 MEISSNER FILTRATION PRODS

AI summary

Interlocking brackets for filter capsules are provided. According to one embodiment, a filter capsule bracket includes a first bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface and at least one plug; and a second bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface corresponding to the concave surface of the first bracket portion and at least one socket for receiving the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket, wherein the concave surfaces of the first and second bracket portions are configured to retain a filter capsule when the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket portion is received by the at least one socket of the first side of the second bracket portion.