Filter Element Retaining Projection Damage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter elements are prone to damage during installation due to incorrect mounting, particularly when bayonet projections are pressed against the bayonet holder in improper positions.

Innovation Solution

A filter element design featuring retaining projections and recesses, arranged above the filter bellows, that allow secure attachment to a support tube without risk of damage, guided by slanted sections for rotational movement, enhancing stability and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bayonet projection is used to attach the filter element to the filter housing, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the bayonet projection can easily break off if the filter element is guided in an incorrect mounting position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support tube is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter element and filter housing. The bayonet projection attaches to the support tube rather than directly to the filter housing, and the support tube guides the filter element into the correct mounting position. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the bayonet projection and filter housing during incorrect installation, eliminating the breakage risk while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the filter element is directly attached to the filter housing, then the installation process is simple, but the filter element is prone to damage during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddamage risk during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support tube serves as a mediator that simplifies the installation process by providing a guided attachment path. The filter element with bayonet projection attaches to the support tube in a straightforward manner, and the support tube's structure inherently guides proper alignment, making the process simple while simultaneously protecting against damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the bayonet projection protrudes beyond the upper end plate for easy engagement, then the attachment is easier to perform, but the projection is more exposed and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement easeVSAvoidvulnerability to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support tube acts as an intermediary that receives the bayonet projection at a protected location. The projection engages with the support tube rather than extending freely toward the filter housing, maintaining ease of engagement while the support tube structure shields the projection from external forces that could cause breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3928850B1Filter element with attachments to a filter housing with improved protection from damage during installation
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3928850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3928850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3928850B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid filter (10), with a water separator (30), a filter bellows (32) and a central opening (28) for inserting a support tube (24) of the fluid filter (10). The fluid filter (10) is characterized in that a retaining projection (68) of the filter element (10) for fixing the filter element (10) to the support tube (24) is located above the bottom side of the filter bellows (32). The retaining projection (68) can be inserted into a retaining recess (70) in the support tube (24). For this purpose, the retaining projection (68) is orientend into the interior of the central opening (28). Alternatively or additionally, a retaining recess in the central opening can accommodate a retaining projection of the support tube (24) that is oriented radially outwards.