Filter Coupling Device Sliding-Rotating Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in providing a reliable and cost-effective attachment and sealing mechanism that allows for easy replacement and durability across various mounting situations.

Innovation Solution

A filter system with a coupling device featuring coupling elements that slide and rotate into a receptacle's coupling contour, combined with a seal holder for secure sealing, utilizing materials like thermosets for high mechanical requirements and die-cast aluminum for strength, ensuring a quick and secure attachment and sealing mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional retaining mechanisms are used to attach the filter element to the base, then the filter system can be assembled, but the retention systems are extremely inconvenient to use and may fail over time due to harsh environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of attachment mechanismVSAvoidconvenience of filter replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: coupling elements for mechanical engagement, sealing elements for leakage prevention, and retaining elements for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system that is both reliable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is extracted from the mechanical coupling mechanism by introducing separate sealing elements that can be independently replaced and maintained. This extraction allows the retention system to focus on mechanical attachment reliability while sealing concerns are addressed separately through dedicated sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If simple mechanical interfaces are used for the filter system attachment, then the design is simpler and more cost-effective, but the attachment and seal must be reliable and robust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of mechanical interfaceVSAvoidreliability of attachment and seal
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the coupling device: mechanical coupling elements for attachment, sealing elements for leakage prevention, and retaining elements for secure mounting. This integration achieves reliable and robust attachment without requiring complex separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment, sealing, and retention capabilities in a single integrated structure that can be applied across different filter system configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the seal is inserted directly into the housing pot flanged edge, then the structure is simpler, but there is no separate seal holder to prevent seal damage or loss during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidprotection of seal during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A seal holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the seal and the housing pot. This mediator protects the seal during installation and operation, preventing damage or loss while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The seal holder acts as a buffer that safeguards the vulnerable sealing element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3096860B1Filter system comprising coupling device
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3096860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3096860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter system (100) for filtering a fluid, with a front-end inlet (102) and outlet (104), and comprising: at least one filter element (10); a filter housing (108); a coupling device (30) for coupling the filter system (100) to a receiving means (32) external to the filter system; and a seal holder (16) having a seal (18) for sealing the filter system at the receiving means (32). In addition, the coupling device (30) has one or more coupling elements (36) that can be at least partially introduced in an axial direction (L) into a coupling contour (34) arranged in the receiving means (32), by means of a sliding-rotating movement, such that the filter system (100) is held and locked in the receiving means (32) in an end position (38). The invention also relates to a combination of a filter system (100), according to one of the preceding claims, and a receiving means (32).