Filter Housing Coupling Mechanism for Axial Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The replacement of used filter elements with new ones in filter devices is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to remove the housing cover and handle the filter elements through a small opening, making the process laborious and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A filter housing with edge profiles featuring ramps facilitates the axial extraction of the filter element, and a coupling device on the new filter element allows for easy removal of the old element by forming a releasable connection and providing a large-area handle for effortless pulling out, reducing maintenance effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the housing cover is removed to access the filter element, then the filter element can be replaced, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element replacementVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the filter element from the housing through a simplified opening mechanism. The housing cover is designed with a movable section that can be easily opened to provide direct access to the filter element, eliminating the need for complete disassembly and reducing replacement time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing cover is segmented into movable sections that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows the cover to be partially opened just enough to access the filter element without requiring removal of the entire cover assembly, thereby reducing the time and effort needed for filter replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the filter element is installed in the filter housing, then filtration is achieved, but the filter element becomes difficult to grasp and handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidfilter element handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary tool or mechanism that facilitates the grasping and handling of the filter element. This intermediary device allows the operator to easily grip and manipulate the filter element during installation and replacement without compromising the filtration function when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is designed with extended features or handles that protrude from the housing opening, providing additional grip points in a different dimensional space. This allows easier grasping and handling while maintaining the sealed filtration function when installed in the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the filter element is tightly sealed in the housing, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but extraction becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidfilter element extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates a preliminary extraction mechanism that is activated before full removal. A movable section of the housing cover or an integrated extraction tool is used to break the seal and create initial clearance, making the subsequent extraction of the tightly sealed filter element easier while maintaining sealing effectiveness during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The seal can maintain tight contact during filtration but includes features that allow it to be easily broken or disengaged during extraction, such as deformable sealing elements or movable sealing surfaces that facilitate removal after use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly simplifies the filter replacement process by enabling easy and convenient removal of old filter elements with reduced manual effort, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the filter housing has an edge profile with individual ramps protruding in the extraction direction of the filter element, which can be approached at least partially during the twisting of the filter element assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP3609594B1Device for replacing a filter element
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 HYDAC FLUIDCARECENT
  • EP3609594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for replacing an old filter element (5), which in particular is used and is at least partly held in a filter housing (1), with a new filter element (5), which in particular is unused and should be inserted into said filter housing (1) as a replacement, which new filter element is provided with a coupling apparatus (43; 57), which forms a releasable coupling with a further coupling apparatus (33; 53) on the old filter element (5), which coupling, in the coupled state, allows the old filter element (5) to be brought out of the filter housing (1) by means of the new filter element (5).