Fluid Filter Manifold Linear Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid filtration systems face challenges with high installation and removal forces due to ¼ turn bayonet-style interfaces, which result in high compression on sealing components, and existing solutions like external button release mechanisms are costly and increase system size, while also requiring complex components and high pressure drop, limiting flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter system with a manifold assembly and filter cartridge latching mechanism that allows for straight line push/pull motion installation and removal, featuring a compact and simple mechanism with a proprietary key configuration for secure alignment, reducing installation and removal forces, and an automatic shut-off system that prevents water flow when pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ¼ turn bayonet-style interfaces are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation and removal forces become high
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into modular components: a cartridge with sealing elements and a housing with corresponding sealing surfaces. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be installed and removed without rotational movement, reducing the force required while maintaining connection security through multiple sealing contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rotational movement to achieve secure connection (traditional bayonet style), the invention inverts the approach by using linear push/pull motion with camming surfaces that automatically engage and lock the cartridge in place, eliminating the need for high-force rotational tightening.
2Ease of operation
If external button release mechanisms are used, then cartridge removal is enabled, but system size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex external button release mechanism is extracted and replaced with an integrated camming surface system built into the housing structure. The camming surfaces work with corresponding features on the cartridge to automatically engage during installation and provide a simple release mechanism, eliminating the need for separate buttons or complex release assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism, locking mechanism, and release mechanism are merged into a single integrated structure. The camming surfaces and sealing elements are combined in the housing, allowing the cartridge to be secured and released through a simple linear motion without requiring separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If high compression sealing is used, then leak-free connection is achieved, but material costs and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly high compression across the entire sealing surface, the invention uses localized sealing contact points with camming surfaces that apply pressure only where needed. The sealing elements are positioned at specific locations where camming action provides focused compression, reducing overall material requirements and simplifying production while maintaining effective sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a new fluid filter system including, but not limited to, structure for enabling a filter cartridge to be installed and removed from a manifold with a straight line push/pull motion, an innovative latching mechanism and an innovative water manifold, the latching mechanism providing a unique mechanism interface between an innovative manifold and a filter cartridge, the latching mechanism providing a compact and simple mechanism between the innovative manifold and the filter cartridge that significantly reduces the installation and removal force previously found with fluid filtration cartridges by including a low force filter cartridge installation and removal mechanism for utilization by the end consumer and the manifold assembly includes an inlet and an outlet port, the manifold assembly having structure for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric cavity of the fluid filtration system that contains fluid during installation and operation of the filter therein and removal of the filter therefrom and that has an automatic shut-off system, as the inlet water pressure increases past a predetermined desired maximum system operating pressure, the inlet water will automatically be shut-off, i.e., will not flow into (or out of) the filter cartridge.