Filter Assembly Cord Locking for Easy Element Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter assemblies face challenges in easy maintenance and replacement due to clogging of filter elements, requiring regular servicing and often complex assembly mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly design featuring a first and second discontinuous groove on a base and housing components, respectively, with a cord member to detachably couple them, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement of the filter element, enhancing maintenance and reducing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional filter assemblies use complex assembly mechanisms for securing components, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is divided into separable components (filter element, housing, base) that can be independently serviced. The discontinuous groove design allows the cord member to secure components while enabling easy separation for maintenance without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cord member acts as an intermediary element that provides secure locking between components through the discontinuous grooves, while simultaneously allowing easy removal for maintenance. This intermediary mechanism replaces complex assembly mechanisms with a simple yet effective coupling solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional filter assemblies use complex assembly mechanisms, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidassembly mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete discontinuous grooves on the base and housing that work together with the cord member. This segmentation provides adequate locking security through multiple engagement points while keeping each individual component simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cord member serves as a simple, inexpensive locking element that provides sufficient security for the application. Rather than using complex permanent locking mechanisms, the system employs a simple removable cord that achieves the necessary locking security without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If filter elements are designed for secure permanent installation, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism transitions from static permanent installation to dynamic removable installation. The discontinuous grooves and cord member provide stable securing during operation while allowing easy removal when replacement is needed, adapting the stability characteristic based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The discontinuous grooves are pre-formed in the base and housing components during manufacturing, preparing the structure for easy assembly and disassembly. This preliminary preparation enables both stable operation and easy replacement without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3126032B1Assembly for a filter
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 CATERPILLAR INC
  • EP3126032B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126032B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126032B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter assembly (100) is provided. The filter assembly (100) includes a first component (102) having a first groove (114). The filter assembly (100) further includes a second component (104) having a second groove (114). The first groove (114) of the first component (102) and the second groove (114) of the second component (104) define a channel (138) therebetween. Furthermore, the filter assembly (100) includes a cord member (140) removably inserted in the channel (138) to detachably couple the second component (104) to the first component (102).