Quick-Release Filter Cartridge Connection Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter cartridges with integral inlet and outlet ports often require cumbersome and expensive adapters to fit with water conduit ports, and pose difficulties in securing screw connections in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A connection head for filter cartridges with detachable adapter pieces that can be quickly and securely attached using a quick-release fastener, allowing for easy adaptation to various conduit connections and providing a compact design that withstands pressures over 3 bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integral inlet and outlet ports are used in the housing, then the structure is simple and robust, but adaptability to different water conduit connections is poor and requires cumbersome adapters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to water conduit connectionsVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection head is segmented into a housing and a detachable adapter piece. The adapter piece can be separated from and attached to the housing, allowing different adapter pieces to be used for different connection requirements while keeping the housing structure simple and robust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing with its standardized port serves multiple functions by accepting different adapter pieces. This universal interface allows the same housing to adapt to various water conduit connections (different threads, angles, diameters) by simply changing the adapter piece, making the system multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If screw connections are used in confined spaces, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation ease in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional screw connection mechanism is replaced with a quick-release fastener system comprising a locking element and cam surface. This mechanical substitution allows the adapter piece to be secured reliably through a simple locking motion rather than requiring precise screw tightening in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release fastener introduces dynamic elements (movable locking element, cam surface interaction) that enable easy attachment and detachment. The locking element can be quickly engaged and disengaged with a simple motion, making installation and maintenance operations much easier in confined spaces compared to static screw connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable adapter pieces are used, then adaptability to different connections is improved, but the risk of loss and connection reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection adaptation flexibilityVSAvoidadapter piece retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The molded gasket provides a sealing and retaining interface between the adapter piece and housing port before the locking element is engaged. This preliminary cushioning ensures that the adapter piece is held securely in position and sealed, preventing accidental loss or leakage before the final locking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system combines different materials with complementary properties: the molded gasket (likely elastomeric) provides sealing and friction retention, while the rigid locking element provides mechanical locking. This composite approach ensures both adaptability and reliable retention of the detachable adapter piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If ports protrude significantly from the housing, then adapter piece attachment is easier, but the overall device size and compactness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter piece attachment easeVSAvoidconnection head compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable along the port axis, allowing it to engage the adapter piece when protruding slightly and then retract into the housing when locked. This dynamic movement enables easy attachment operation while maintaining a compact overall size when the connection is secured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element nests within the housing structure when in the locked position, and the port is designed so that the locking element can access the adapter piece during attachment. This nesting approach allows the connection mechanism to function with minimal protrusion, maintaining compactness while enabling easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10549220B2Connection head for a filter cartridge and filter cartridge

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 BWT AG

AI summary

A connection head for a filter cartridge, which is easy and safe to handle. The connection head comprises a housing that has an inlet and an outlet, wherein said inlet and outlet have a port to which a detachable adapter piece for water conduit can be mounted. The adapter piece is attachable by a quick-release fastener. The quick-release fastener comprises a locking element, which locks the adapter piece by being rotated by about less than 90°.