Filter Manifold Assembly With Linear Guide for Quick Capsule Changeout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold assemblies for filter change-outs are inefficient in allowing quick installation, disconnection, and orientation of filter capsules, especially in confined spaces, requiring individual fitting connections and rotations.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with an upper adjustable frame arrangement and a lower frame arrangement, featuring a slidable locking pin and handle mechanism, allowing vertical movement and locking positions for easy engagement and disengagement of filter capsules without rotation, and a manifold frame connecting both arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manifold assemblies require individual fitting connections and rotations for filter capsule installation, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated clamp mechanism. The clamp simultaneously engages both fittings of the filter capsule through a single clamping action, eliminating the need for separate connection steps for each fitting. This merging of functions directly reduces installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the unified clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with movable components that allow dynamic adjustment during installation. The clamp can be opened to receive the filter capsule and then closed to secure it, providing a dynamic connection process that is both quick and reliable. The ability to easily open and close the clamp enables rapid filter changes without compromising the strength of the connection.
2Reliability
If traditional manifold assemblies require filter capsule rotations for proper orientation, then correct fluid flow orientation is ensured, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly incorporates movable frame arrangements that can be adjusted to different positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the operator to align the filter capsule correctly without rotation by simply moving the frame to the appropriate position, thereby ensuring correct fluid flow orientation while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring rotation (angular adjustment) for proper orientation, the invention uses linear movement along vertical and horizontal axes to achieve the same orienting function. The frame can move vertically and horizontally to position the filter capsule correctly, transforming the orientation problem from a rotational to a translational solution, which is easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If manifold assemblies are designed for quick release in confined spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly is divided into separate modular components including the frame, clamp, and mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable. The clamp can be independently operated for quick release without affecting the entire assembly, enabling easy maintenance and operation despite the presence of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the filter capsule. It provides a simple interface for quick engagement and disengagement while the more complex structural elements (frame, linear guides, etc.) remain hidden or inactive during operation. This intermediary approach simplifies the user interaction without eliminating the necessary structural complexity for stability and precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If an adjustable frame arrangement with locking mechanism is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame arrangement uses a dynamic locking mechanism with movable locking pins that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. During positioning, the frame can move freely along the linear guide for adjustment. When positioning is complete, the locking pin engages with the guide to lock the frame in place. This dynamic approach provides high positioning precision only when needed, while maintaining simplicity during the adjustment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged after the frame has been positioned. The linear guide pre-establishes the precise path and positions, and the locking pin simply needs to be inserted to maintain that position. This preliminary positioning followed by locking separates the complex functions into sequential steps, reducing the perceived complexity while achieving high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly including a linear guide and a method of engaging a filter capsule in the manifold assembly are provided.