Filter Manifold Offset Axis Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the assembly of a water filter manifold for a refrigeration appliance, there is a risk of damaging elastomeric seals due to contact with adjacent surfaces during the insertion of the inner body within the outer body.
Innovation Solution
The filter manifold design includes an outer casing with a first protrusion extending radially inwardly and an inner casing with a second protrusion extending radially outwardly, facilitating the insertion of the inner casing into the outer casing such that the rotational axis of the inner casing is offset from the insertion axis, thereby reducing the risk of seal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inner casing is inserted directly into the outer casing along the insertion axis, then the assembly process is simple, but the elastomeric seals may contact adjacent surfaces and get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset between the insertion axis and the rotational axis of the inner casing. The inner casing is designed with an asymmetric configuration where its rotational axis is deliberately positioned at a predetermined offset distance from the insertion axis. This asymmetric design ensures that during axial insertion, the elastomeric seals do not contact adjacent surfaces that could cause damage, thus protecting seal integrity while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates elastomeric seals positioned between the inner casing and the outer casing to provide beforehand cushioning and protection. These seals are strategically placed to prevent direct contact between the inner casing and adjacent surfaces during insertion, cushioning against potential damage before it can occur. The seals act as a protective barrier that absorbs any misalignment or contact stresses during the assembly process
2Device complexity
If the rotational axis of the inner casing is aligned with the insertion axis, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the seals may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately breaks the symmetry by offsetting the rotational axis of the inner casing from the insertion axis. This asymmetric configuration is designed into the structure, where the inner casing's rotational axis is positioned at a predetermined offset distance from the insertion axis. This design choice prioritizes seal protection over structural symmetry, ensuring that the seals are not damaged during the insertion process while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A filter manifold for a filter assembly includes an outer casing having a body with an inner surface defining a chamber. A first protrusion extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the body and extends arcuately along an inner circumference of the chamber. An inner casing is rotatably arranged in the chamber of the outer casing and includes a cylindrical structure having an outer surface arranged facing the inner surface of the body. A second protrusion extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrical structure and extends arcuately along an outer circumference of the cylindrical structure. The first protrusion and the second protrusion facilitate an insertion of the inner casing into the chamber along an insertion axis of the body such that the rotational axis of the inner casing, once fully inserted, is arranged at an offset from the insertion axis of the outer casing.