Filter Head Valve Unit With Prestressed Tab Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve units in liquid filtration systems face challenges with sealing and pressure stability, particularly in blocking directions, leading to potential leaks and increased pressure loss, which is critical in applications like fuel supply systems.

Innovation Solution

A valve unit with a plate-shaped valve body featuring a closure section and a connecting section, where the closure section has a closure tab and a contact tab that creates a prestress for improved sealing, and a filter head with a valve seat and fastening pin for secure attachment, allowing for reliable sealing and reduced pressure loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional closure tab design is used, then the valve unit structure is simple, but the sealing performance deteriorates under counterpressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidvalve body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is divided into two separate parts: a closure tab and a contact tab, each with distinct functions. The closure tab provides sealing contact with the valve seat, while the contact tab transmits prestress forces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sealing performance and structural stability without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting section is pre-stressed during assembly to create a prestress force that acts on the closure tab. This preliminary action ensures that the closure tab maintains optimal contact pressure with the valve seat even under counterpressure conditions, improving sealing reliability before actual operation begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the closure tab is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then sealing improves, but pressure stability in blocking direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing consistencyVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the closure tab from the connecting section, the design allows the closure tab to remain relatively rigid for consistent sealing, while the connecting section can be designed with appropriate flexibility to maintain pressure stability. Each segment can be independently optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact tab acts as an intermediary element that transmits forces from the connecting section to the closure tab. This mediator allows the closure tab to maintain stable sealing contact while the connecting section manages pressure fluctuations, decoupling the requirements for sealing consistency and pressure stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the valve unit allows free positioning, then ease of installation improves, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact tab is designed to engage with the filter head structure during assembly, preliminarily positioning the valve unit before final tightening. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment of the closure tab with the valve seat, maintaining sealing reliability while preserving installation ease through self-aligning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve unit incorporates self-aligning features where the contact tab automatically positions itself relative to the filter head during installation. This self-service mechanism ensures correct alignment without requiring precise manual positioning, maintaining both installation ease and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides enhanced sealing and pressure stability, preventing leaks and minimizing pressure loss, even under counterpressures, ensuring reliable operation in fuel supply systems and other fluid applications.

Implementation Method 1

the closure section having a closure tab which extends protrudes from a first fastening section on the frame into the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the valve unit only allows liquid to flow through the filter head when the filter cartridge is correctly positioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4053440B1Valve unit, filter head for a valve unit and filter system
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP4053440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053440B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053440B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve unit (10) with a plate-shaped valve body (20) comprising a closure section (30) and a connecting section (40), wherein the valve body (20) includes a frame (24) that encloses an opening (26) in the valve body (20), the closure section (30) having a closure tab (32) that projects into the opening (26) from a first mounting section (34) on the frame (24). The connecting section (40) has a contact tab (42) that projects into the opening (26) from a second mounting section (44) on the frame (24) and further has at least one mounting point (50). The first mounting section (34) and the second mounting section (44) are arranged opposite each other on the frame (24) along a longitudinal axis (22) of the valve body (20).Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter head (120) and a filter system (100) comprising a filter head and a valve unit (10).