Filter Housing Connection With Ramp Alignment for Faster Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded filter connections in machinery and vehicles are time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to misalignment, and can cause damage due to over-tightening, especially in large off-highway machinery environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a filter assembly featuring a first and second housing component, each with thread sets and slots, and a stop mechanism to align and engage these components, allowing for a drain passage through the connecting interface, preventing misalignment and facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded interfaces are used to secure filter components, then reliable connection and positioning are achieved, but installation and removal become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple independent thread sets distributed around the circumference, allowing parallel engagement and reducing the total number of revolutions needed for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a single-axis rotational engagement to a multi-dimensional engagement where multiple thread sets engage simultaneously at different angular positions, enabling faster installation
2Reliability
If threaded interfaces are used to secure filter components, then secure locking is achieved, but misalignment and cross-threading occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stop component performs preliminary alignment action by contacting the alignment feature on the insert component before threading engagement begins, ensuring precise alignment is established in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The stop component acts as an intermediary alignment mechanism that mediates between the housing component and insert component, providing a reference surface that ensures accurate positioning before threading occurs
3Ease of manufacture
If threaded components are made from soft material, then ease of manufacture is improved, but over-tightening damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded components are designed with a yield limit that is intentionally set below the maximum tightening force, creating a built-in safety cushion that prevents over-tightening damage by causing failure at a controlled, acceptable stress level
4Reliability
If numerous thread revolutions are required for installation, then secure connection is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into multiple discrete thread sets that can engage simultaneously, reducing the total number of revolutions needed while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The thread engagement is designed to be dynamic and self-aligning, where the threads naturally engage and seat themselves during rotation rather than requiring precise manual alignment and multiple adjustment cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A filter cartridge includes a filter housing component defining a filter axis extending between a first axial end and a second axial end, and including a peripheral surface having a plurality of thread sets and a plurality of slots. The first axial end includes an axial end surface spaced axially outward of the plurality of threads sets and the plurality of slots, and a ramp element for aligning thread sets and slots of a second filter component with the plurality of thread sets and the plurality of slots of the filter housing component. The ramp element extends circumferentially around the filter axis, and slopes in an axial direction from a heightened ramp end to a shortened ramp end.