Filter Element Replacement Device with Sawtooth Control Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The replacement of filter elements in filter devices used in systems with operating fluids is complex and labor-intensive, posing a risk of operational disruptions and economic damage due to the difficulty in timely replacement.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sawtooth profile control ring that allows seamless merging of ramps over the entire circumference, enabling a consistent pull-out force regardless of the filter element's initial position, and control means on the end cap with a handle that interact to lift the filter element out of the housing pot without tilting, facilitated by a pivotable bracket and sealing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter elements are installed in the filter housing with force-fitting, then the filter element is securely held in the functional position, but the replacement process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of filter elementVSAvoidreplacement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sawtooth profile control ring transforms the static force-fitting connection into a dynamic extraction process. The oblique ramps of the sawtooth profile engage with control means on the end cap, converting rotational movement into axial pull-out force that systematically overcomes the force-fitting holding force, making replacement straightforward while maintaining secure installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a rotational dimension to the extraction process. Instead of directly pulling the filter element axially against the force-fitting, the sawtooth profile control ring engages with control means and converts rotational movement into axial extraction force through the oblique ramps, simplifying the replacement operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the sawtooth profile has gaps between teeth, then manufacturing is simpler, but the pull-out force becomes inconsistent depending on initial rotational position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesawtooth profile fabricationVSAvoidpull-out force consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The individual ramps of the sawtooth profile are merged seamlessly into one another without gaps, forming a continuous control structure. This merging ensures that regardless of the initial rotational position of the filter element, the control means will always engage with oblique ramps that generate consistent axial pull-out force throughout the extraction process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If filter elements are held in force-fitting manner, then operational safety is maintained, but replacement requires overcoming significant holding force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidholding force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The sawtooth profile control ring transforms the static force-fitting connection into a dynamic extraction process. The oblique ramps engage with control means on the end cap, converting rotational movement into axial pull-out force that systematically overcomes the force-fitting holding force, making replacement straightforward while maintaining secure installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle with pivotable bracket provides a curved, ergonomic path for applying extraction force. The bracket pivots to follow the contour of the control means, allowing the operator to apply force efficiently while the sawtooth profile converts this force into the necessary axial extraction force to overcome the force-fitting holding force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Simplifies the filter element replacement process by ensuring consistent and efficient removal of old filter elements, reducing labor and time required for maintenance while maintaining operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

the individual teeth of which, starting from a tooth base, form a ramp that runs obliquely in the direction of the surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 2

an axially acting pull-out force acts on this filter element, which at least partially causes the filter element to be lifted out of the housing pot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

the respective control means has, on its underside facing the sawtooth profile, a guide surface with an inclination that corresponds to the inclination of the respective oblique ramp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3609595B1Device for replacing a filter element
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 HYDAC FLUIDCARECENT
  • EP3609595B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3609595B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for replacing an, in particular used, old filter element (3) at least partly accommodated in a housing pot (1) with an, in particular new, filter element (3), preferably of the same design, intended to be inserted into said housing pot (1), each filter element (3) having a filter material (5) extending between two end caps (7, 9), of which one end cap (7) has a handle (37) for inserting the respective filter element (3) into the housing pot (1) into a functional position, characterized in that a control unit (27) is provided at the free end of the housing part (1), which control unit interacts with at least one control means (43) present on the end cap (7) having the handle (37) in such a way that, when the respective filter element (3) is rotated by means of the handle (37) in a direction out of a fixing position in the housing pot (1), an axial withdrawal force acts on said filter element (3), which, at least to some extent, effects the lifting of the filter element (3) out of the housing pot (1).