Filter End Disk With Arc Coupling Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in securely mounting and easily removing filter elements while minimizing vibration transmission and ensuring quick, safe replacement, especially with heavy filter elements.

Innovation Solution

An end plate with arc-shaped coupling elements and end stops is designed for axial engagement, allowing secure mounting during operation and easy release by counter-rotational movement, featuring coupling and release areas for secure engagement and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional filter elements use simple mounting structures, then ease of manufacture is improved, but secure mounting during operation and easy removal are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsecure mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is divided into multiple functional segments: a basic coupling structure for mounting, and integrated end stops that create distinct coupling and release areas. This segmentation allows the single component to provide both secure mounting during operation and easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If filter elements are securely mounted during operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of removal for replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element incorporates dynamic functionality through the end stops that define coupling and release areas. During normal operation, the filter element is securely locked in the coupling area. For removal, a counter-rotational movement shifts the connection to the release area, enabling easy detachment. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between secure mounting and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If heavy filter elements are used for better filtration, then filtration performance is improved, but vibration transmission and difficulty of removal increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the heavy filter element and the housing. By providing defined coupling and release areas with end stops, it mediates the connection in a way that secures the heavy element during operation while minimizing vibration transmission. The controlled engagement and disengagement points reduce unwanted vibrations, resolving the contradiction between filtration performance and vibration harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If quick replacement of filter elements is enabled, then productivity is improved, but secure mounting during operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidsecure mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is pre-designed with integrated end stops that create predetermined coupling and release areas. This preliminary design ensures that during quick replacement operations, the filter element automatically engages at the correct coupling area for secure mounting, then can be quickly released by moving to the pre-defined release area. This resolves the contradiction between replacement speed and secure mounting by having both functions prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3551315B1End disk, filter element with end disk, and filter system
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3551315B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3551315B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3551315B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an end disk (16) for a filter element, the end disk comprising, on a face side (14), at least two separate, circular-arc-shaped coupling elements (36) which are designed to be axially engaged behind by a corresponding housing coupling element (26). The coupling elements (36) are arranged opposite one another with respect to a radial connecting axis (22). At least one end stop (32) is assigned to at least one coupling element (36).