Filter Cartridge Interconnects Using Coded Polymagnet Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art filter interconnects face challenges with effective latching and unlatching mechanisms, authentication, and anti-counterfeiting, particularly during filter cartridge installation and replacement, without increasing manufacturing cost or complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multipole polymagnet technology generates a magnetic shear force to facilitate the interconnection of filter cartridges with manifolds, incorporating correlated magnets to secure the cartridge, actuate valves, and prevent counterfeit installations by ensuring only compatible cartridges align correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional magnets are used for filter cartridge interconnection, then the structure is simple, but the latching mechanism is ineffective and authentication capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic structure is segmented into multiple pole regions (north and south poles) arranged in a coded pattern around the circumference. This segmentation enables the magnet to generate directional shear forces that provide effective latching while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmented pole arrangement creates alternating attraction and repulsion zones that produce the desired mechanical latching effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pole arrangement uses asymmetric coding where specific patterns of north and south poles are configured to generate directional forces. The asymmetric distribution of poles creates a preferred direction for shear force application, enabling reliable latching in one direction while preventing unauthorized removal. This asymmetric configuration provides both latching effectiveness and authentication capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If correlated magnets with coded patterns are implemented, then authentication and anti-counterfeiting are enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coded magnetic pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides authentication by requiring a matching complementary pattern, enables anti-counterfeiting through unique coding, and facilitates proper alignment during installation. This multi-functionality is achieved within a standard magnet manufacturing process, avoiding the need for separate authentication mechanisms and thereby not significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pole configuration uses parameter variations in the arrangement of north and south poles (angular position, polarity sequence) to create unique coded patterns. These parameter changes enable different authentication levels and compatibility codes without changing the fundamental magnet structure or material, allowing for flexible authentication schemes using conventional magnet manufacturing techniques.
3Strength
If magnetic shear force is used to actuate latching mechanisms, then secure attachment is achieved, but the force generation mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical latching mechanisms (springs, cam locks, multiple moving parts) with a magnetic field-based force generation system. The magnetic shear force is generated directly by the interaction of coded pole patterns between mating components, eliminating the need for separate mechanical actuation mechanisms. This substitution provides secure attachment while actually simplifying the overall mechanism by removing complex mechanical components.
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
This solution provides secure cartridge attachment, efficient water flow management, and effective authentication, reducing the risk of counterfeit cartridges while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic force is introduced upon filter cartridge insertion into a mating filter manifold to aid in interconnection, in specific instances, to latch the filter cartridge within the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system interconnection structure having a filter manifold and a filter cartridge in magnetic communication with one another, such that a latching mechanism of the manifold secures the filter cartridge within a manifold sump when the filter cartridge is inserted therein. The magnetic communication is formed between two complementary coded polymagnets capable of producing a magnetic shear force when in close proximity to one another. The magnetic shear force removes a latch blocking structure from interfering with the latch, allowing the latch to secure the filter cartridge. Movement of the latch blocking structure coded polymagnet relative to the filter cartridge coded polymagnet may be perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other such that a shear force is generated therebetween, allowing for actuation of the latch blocking mechanism against a biasing force, and allowing the latch to move radially inwards against a separate biasing force.