Filter Element Fastening Layout for Error-Proof Housing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems face challenges in reliably fixing the filter element to the filter housing part and ensuring proper alignment and orientation during assembly, leading to potential assembly errors and non-compliance with quality standards.

Innovation Solution

The filter element and housing part are designed with offset central axes for their mounting elements, allowing for asymmetrical and eccentric arrangements that ensure correct alignment and prevent improper installation, using hook-shaped fastening elements and guide elements for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional symmetrical mounting elements are used, then assembly is simple, but alignment precision and prevention of installation errors are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmounting element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting elements are designed with asymmetrical geometry where the filter element mounting element has a different structure than the housing part mounting element. This asymmetry ensures that the filter element can only be installed in the correct orientation, preventing installation errors while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If multiple mounting elements are used, then fixation reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidfastening arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into two distinct components: a filter element mounting element with first and second mounting elements, and a housing part mounting element with corresponding first and second mounting elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable fixation through the coordinated interaction of multiple mounting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4426461B1Filter element, filter housing part, filter system, and use of a filter element in a filter system
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP4426461B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4426461B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4426461B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element (300) for a filter system (10), comprising a filter medium (350) and at least one end disc (340). At least two fastening elements (320) on the filter element side are arranged on the end disc (340), which are arranged concentrically around the same fastening element centre axis (322) of the filter element (300) running in the longitudinal direction (x). The at least two fastening elements (320) have a different radial distance from at least one filter element central axis (312, 342, 362) of the filter element (300) or from at least one filter housing part central axis (260, 280) of a filter housing part (200) on which the filter element (300) is arranged in a state of use, to which the fastening element central axis (322) of the filter element (300), about which the filter element-side fastening elements (320) are arranged, is offset. The invention also relates to a filter housing part and a filter system comprising a filter housing part (200) and a filter element (300) of said type. The invention also relates to a use of a filter element (300) in a filter system (10).