Filter Cartridge Interconnect With Correlated Magnet Release 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 undesirable attraction forces, making removal difficult and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A 'torque/align' model utilizing correlated magnets, where a filter cartridge magnet applies torque to a manifold magnet to actuate a valve and assist in removal by transitioning from attraction to repulsion forces upon predetermined rotation positions, incorporating a mechanical stop to limit rotation and facilitate easy extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional magnets are used for attachment between filter cartridge and manifold, then attachment force is provided, but friction and undesirable attraction forces make removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment forceVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies correlated magnet technology where the magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, spatial distribution) are specifically configured to create position-dependent forces. When misaligned, magnets produce repulsion for easy removal; when aligned, they produce strong attraction for secure attachment. This dynamic parameter change based on relative position resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic interaction is made dynamic rather than static. The force characteristics (attraction/repulsion) automatically change based on the relative angular position of the filter cartridge and manifold. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide strong holding force during operation while enabling easy removal when needed, eliminating the need for separate attachment and release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If conventional magnets are used for actuation, then valve control is achieved, but high friction forces are generated during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuationVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuation (which relies on physical contact and generates friction) with magnetic actuation using correlated magnets. The magnetic field transmits torque through non-contact interaction, eliminating friction losses associated with mechanical contact while still achieving reliable valve actuation through the magnetic torque applied during filter cartridge rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If correlated magnets are used for precision alignment, then attachment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmagnet configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correlated magnet configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precision alignment during installation, generates strong attachment force when aligned, enables easy removal through repulsion when misaligned, and actuates the valve through magnetic torque. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features, mechanical stops, and release mechanisms, thereby offsetting the increased magnet configuration complexity with overall system simplification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise attachment, efficient fluid control through magnetic communication, and easy filter cartridge removal by leveraging the unique properties of correlated magnets to manage forces effectively, reducing friction and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The manifold magnet and the filter magnet are interconnected via magnetic communication with one another upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the shroud, and upon rotation of the filter cartridge, the manifold magnet rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a valve is actuated through rotation of the filter cartridge into the manifold; and second, a repulsion force is introduced upon filter cartridge rotation to assist in the filter cartridge removal from the manifold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11724216B2Filter interconnect using a correlated magnet torque design

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 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.