Filter Cartridge Interconnect Using Correlated Magnet Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interconnection schemes between filter cartridges and manifolds lack efficient mechanisms for attachment, detachment, and actuation, often resulting in high friction and misalignment issues due to conventional magnetic designs.

Innovation Solution

A 'torque/align' model utilizing correlated magnets that apply torque to a non-contacting magnet on the manifold for attachment and detachment, and a repulsion force for filter cartridge removal, with a mechanical stop to limit rotation and ensure precise alignment and separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional magnetic designs are used for filter cartridge interconnection, then attachment mechanism is provided, but high friction and misalignment issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment operationVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical magnetic coupling with a correlated magnet field emission system. The correlated magnets create a spatial force function that provides precise alignment through field interaction rather than mechanical contact, eliminating friction and misalignment issues associated with traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using correlated magnets with specific spatial arrangements and polarities. This creates a force function where the magnitude and direction of magnetic forces vary spatially, enabling precise alignment and controlled attachment/detachment operations without the friction and misalignment problems of conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If correlated magnets are used for valve actuation through filter cartridge rotation, then valve control is achieved, but complex magnetic field coordination is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation automationVSAvoidmagnetic field configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correlated magnet system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides attachment/detachment forces, enables precise alignment, and actuates the valve through rotation. This multi-functionality is achieved through the spatial force function of the correlated magnets, which can be configured to produce different force patterns at different positions and orientations, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If repulsion force is introduced for filter cartridge removal, then easy detachment is achieved, but precise control of repulsion timing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cartridge removalVSAvoidrepulsion force timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic control of the correlated magnet field to transition between attraction and repulsion states. The magnetic field configuration can be dynamically adjusted or the relative position between magnets can be changed to switch from an attractive force pattern to a repulsive force pattern, enabling controlled detachment timing without requiring complex external control mechanisms.

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

Enables efficient attachment and detachment of filter cartridges, actuates valves for fluid control, and facilitates easy removal by utilizing magnetic communication and alignment tracks, reducing friction and misalignment issues.

Implementation Method 1

The manifold magnet and the filter magnet are interconnected via magnetic communication with one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a repulsion force is introduced upon filter cartridge rotation to assist in the filter cartridge removal from the manifold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a correlated magnet torque design that applies torque to a non-contacting magnet on the manifold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS11794136B2Filter interconnect using a correlated magnet torque design

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 KX TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A filtration system interconnection structure having manifold with a rotatable manifold magnet of correlated magnets, a shroud with alignment tracks, an actuating valve for water ingress, and a filter cartridge having a rotatable filter magnet of correlated magnets, where the manifold magnet and the filter magnet are in magnetic communication with one another when the filter cartridge is inserted with the shroud, and are at least partially rotatably compatible, where the manifold magnet rotates with the filter magnet until the manifold magnet experiences a rotational stop beyond a predetermined rotation of the filter magnet, thus allowing the filter magnet to shift polarity with respect to the manifold magnet and present a repulsion force for removal of the filter cartridge from the shroud.