Filter Element Gimbal Bearing for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices face issues with misalignments and manufacturing tolerances, particularly in filter elements with elongated designs, leading to malfunctions or damage due to angular errors and positional deviations, and require complex solutions like 360°-swivel-bearings with numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal bearing system integrated into the filter element, comprising a connector end, cross piece, and end cap with intersecting swivel axes, compensates for misalignments and manufacturing tolerances, allowing for reliable operation and cost-effective production, while ensuring a secure fluid connection and preventing counterfeit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are maintained in the manufacture of filter housings and filter housing parts to ensure precise alignment of element mounts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment parameter from fixed rigid connection to adjustable angular connection. The element mount is designed with a bearing that allows angular adjustment, transforming the problem from requiring precise manufacturing parameters to allowing parameter adaptation during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the element mount through a bearing mechanism that permits angular movement. This transforms the static rigid connection into a dynamic system that can adapt to manufacturing tolerances, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are maintained in the manufacture of filter housings and filter housing parts to ensure precise alignment of element mounts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the mounting parameters to be changed during assembly through the adjustable bearing mechanism. This eliminates the need for expensive tight-tolerance manufacturing processes while achieving the same functional result through post-manufacturing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bearing mechanism enables the assembly process to self-correct for manufacturing tolerances. The system automatically compensates for misalignment through its inherent degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for expensive precision manufacturing or complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If a 360°-swivel-bearing solution is used to support the filter element in an articulated manner, then misalignment compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compensation function into a simple bearing mechanism integrated into the element mount, rather than using a complex 360° swivel bearing system. This segmentation allows misalignment compensation with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the misalignment compensation function directly into the element mount structure through an integrated bearing mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate complex swivel bearing assemblies and their associated sealing components, reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If a 360°-swivel-bearing solution is used to support the filter element in an articulated manner, then misalignment compensation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from a complex multi-component swivel bearing system to a simple integrated bearing mechanism that provides the same misalignment compensation function with fewer parts and simpler manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive bearing mechanism integrated into the disposable filter element, replacing the expensive and complex 360° swivel bearing system. This approach accepts that the bearing will wear with the element, eliminating the need for complex sealing and maintenance.
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
The gimbal bearing system effectively compensates for misalignments and tolerances, ensuring operational reliability, cost-effectiveness, and prevents the use of inferior filter elements, thus protecting the hydraulic system from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a gimbal bearing (50) for establishing a fluid-conveying connection with the filter head (10), wherein compensation is available for misalignment errors
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device includes a filter head, a replaceable filter element, and a filter bowl for mounting the replaceable filter element. The replaceable filter element includes a compensation device configured to act between the filter head and the replaceable filter element. The compensation device includes a gimbal bearing for establishing a fluid connection with the filter head.