Filter Element Coupling Device for Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines require complex and forceful procedures for inserting and removing filter elements, which can lead to high extraction forces and material fatigue, especially during maintenance when dealing with soiled or aged components.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a coupling device featuring first and second coupling parts with latching means and control surfaces that allow for axial and rotational movements to securely engage and release the filter element, enabling easy insertion and removal without additional equipment, and distributing load to reduce material fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet closure latching connection is used to securely mount the filter element, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the complexity of the latching mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching connection is divided into two separate coupling parts: a first coupling part integrated into the filter element and a second coupling part integrated into the housing. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the secure bayonet closure connection, as each part has a dedicated function rather than requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
2Reliability
If the filter element is firmly secured in the housing, then the reliability of the filter system is improved, but the difficulty of removing the filter element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching connection transitions from a static firm connection to a dynamic one that can be easily switched. The coupling device allows the filter element to be firmly secured during operation but can be quickly released by rotating the housing relative to the filter element, transforming the connection state from locked to unlocked through a simple rotational movement.
3Ease of operation
If additional equipment is used to remove the filter element, then the ease of removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be self-operating for removal. The housing's rotational movement relative to the filter element automatically actuates the latching mechanism to release, without requiring any additional external equipment or tools. The system uses its own structural components to facilitate the removal process.
4Ease of operation
If the latching means is rotated automatically across the translational region into the retaining region, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the latching and unlatching functions into a single integrated mechanism. The same bayonet closure structure that provides secure locking during operation also enables easy release through reverse rotation, combining both the retaining and releasing functions in one unified coupling device without requiring separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter system (100) has at least one filter element (10), a filter housing (108) having at least one first housing part and one second housing part, in particular a lid (110), as well as a coupling device (50). The coupling device (50) thereby has at least one first coupling part (60) and at least one second coupling part (70) that corresponds to it for removable coupling of the at least one filter element (10) to the second housing part (110). The first coupling part (60) has one or a plurality of first latching means (62) and control surfaces (64). The second coupling part (70) has one or a plurality of second latching means (72) that can be brought into operative connection with the one or a plurality of first latching means (62) and control surfaces (64). At least the first and the second latching means (62, 72) can be brought into functional connection when joined, and the control surfaces (64) and the second latching means (72) can be brought into operative connection when first and second housing parts (110) are released. The second latching means (72) each have three bevels (76, 77, 79), at least two of which work together with the control surfaces (64) to release the second housing part (110) from the filter element (10) upon a relative rotation of the filter element (10) around the longitudinal axis (L) counter to the second housing part (110).