Filter Element Frame with Oblique Contact Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements require significant frictional forces during assembly and disassembly due to parallel contact surfaces, leading to increased assembly and disassembly efforts.
Innovation Solution
The filter element features a frame with straight and oblique segments on its contact surface, where the clamping surface primarily contacts the oblique segments, reducing frictional forces and allowing for low-force assembly and disassembly by using oblique segments for force transmission during the final positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If parallel contact surfaces are used for clamping the filter element, then the filter element can be securely held in position, but significant frictional forces are generated during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is segmented into multiple straight segments and oblique segments arranged in an alternating pattern. This segmentation allows different segments to perform different functions: oblique segments for low-friction displacement and straight segments for stable clamping contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the contact surface have different local qualities - oblique segments are designed for reducing friction during assembly/disassembly, while straight segments are designed for providing stable clamping contact. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and assembly force.
2Reliability
If the clamping surface contacts parallel segments during displacement, then stable contact is maintained, but frictional forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using parallel segments for contact during displacement (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using oblique segments that are inclined relative to the displacement direction. This inversion reduces frictional forces while maintaining contact reliability through the alternating segment design.
3Device complexity
If straight segments are positioned at the front side of the frame, then the structure is simplified, but friction forces are maximized during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface design introduces asymmetry with respect to the frame front side by setting back the straight segments and positioning oblique segments at the front. This asymmetric arrangement reduces friction during assembly while maintaining structural simplicity through the regular alternating pattern of segments.
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
This design reduces assembly and disassembly forces, prevents incorrect assembly through a lock-and-key principle, and facilitates easier handling by minimizing friction and the required force paths.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping surface when the latter is displaced relative to the at least one contact surface essentially (for the most part) and preferably exclusively contacts the oblique segments
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element (3), in particular an air filter element, for a filter arrangement (1), having a frame (6) that has at least one contact surface (11) for contacting a clamping surface (30) of at least one clamping element (27, 28) of the filter arrangement (1), wherein the at least one contact surface (11) includes straight segments (12, 13, 14) and oblique segments (15, 16) arranged between the straight segments (12, 13, 14), and wherein the straight segments (12, 13, 14) are arranged such that the clamping surface (30) when the latter is displaced relative to the at least on contact surface (11) essentially exclusively contacts the oblique segments (15, 16).