Filter Element Securing Ring for Secure Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices fail to securely retain a filter element within the housing when the device is opened, leading to potential knock-offs and material inefficiencies due to low material load requirements.

Innovation Solution

A filter device with a slotted, elastically flexible securing ring that expands and retracts over a bead-like control device on the element mount, ensuring the filter element is securely fixed and only removable with appropriate force, integrated into the end cap of the filter element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a blocking element is mounted in the housing pot for axial displacement and moved into the unlocking position through contact with the control element during housing head attachment, then low actuation forces are required and cost-efficient materials can be used, but the filter element may fall out of the housing due to its own weight when the device is opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse of cost-efficient materialsVSAvoidsecure retention of filter element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing ring is nested within the chamber housing, forming a compact integrated structure. The securing ring itself is a closed loop structure that nests around the filter element, providing secure retention while maintaining a space-efficient design that allows the filter element to be held firmly in the functional position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing ring is pre-configured in a relaxed state that automatically engages with the filter element when the housing head is attached. The approach ramps on the control device preliminarily guide the securing ring into position, ensuring that the filter element is secured before the housing is fully assembled, preventing any risk of the element falling out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the blocking element is moved directly into the unlocking position during relative axial movement, then low material load occurs and inexpensive materials can be used, but protection against knock-offs and faulty initial operation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial load on blocking elementVSAvoidprotection against knock-offs and faulty operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber housing acts as an intermediary structure that houses the securing ring and provides a controlled environment for the securing mechanism. The approach ramps on the control device serve as intermediaries that guide the securing ring through a controlled movement path, ensuring proper engagement while maintaining low forces. This intermediary structure prevents direct harmful interactions and ensures only properly fitted filter elements can be secured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a securing means is provided that can be moved from a released position to a fixed position to securely fix the filter element, then the filter element cannot fall out due to its own weight, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of filter elementVSAvoidstructure of securing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing ring is designed as a flexible, elastically deformable component that can be compressed and expanded. This flexibility allows the securing ring to be moved between a relaxed state (when the filter element should be removable) and a secured state (when the filter element is firmly held), providing reliable fixation without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms. The elastic deformation of the ring provides the necessary securing force while maintaining a simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Prevents filter elements from falling out due to their own weight upon opening and allows for cost-effective material usage while ensuring secure attachment and easy replacement with minimal actuation forces.

Implementation Method 1

a securing means, which may be moved by means of the control device from a position in which the filter element on the element mount is released into a position in which the filter element is fixed on the element mount; the securing means is formed by a slotted, elastically flexible securing ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3347114B1Filter device together with a filter element for such a device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HYDAC TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • EP3347114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3347114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3347114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter device together with a filter element for such a device. A filter device having a securing device (10) for securely fixing a filter element (12) on an element mount (14) is characterized in that the securing device (10) includes a securing means (16), which may be moved by means of a control device (18) from a position in which the filter element (12) on the element mount (14) is released into a position in which the filter element (12) is fixed on the element mount (14).