Filter Regulator Retaining Bars for Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter regulators have inefficient assembly processes due to the need to remove and reattach the valve and valve spring when replacing the filter element, which complicates the replacement and installation of new filter elements and valves.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates elastically-deformable retaining bars with engaging claws that allow the valve and valve spring to be retained inside the bars during filter element replacement, enabling easier attachment and detachment of the filter element and valve, improving assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the filter element is attached to the lower part of the port block to enable replacement, then the filter element can be removed and replaced, but the valve and valve spring must be removed together with the filter element, complicating the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bar is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each retaining bar segment can be removed separately from the port block, allowing the filter element to be replaced without removing the valve and valve spring, thus simplifying the replacement process while maintaining ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The valve and valve spring are nested within the retaining bar structure, which itself is nested within the port block. This hierarchical nesting allows the outer retaining bar segments to be removed first, providing access to the inner valve components without requiring complete disassembly, thereby reducing assembly process complexity
2Ease of repair
If the valve guide is removed upon replacing the filter element, then the filter element can be replaced, but the valve and valve spring are removed together with the valve guide, reducing assembling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The valve guide is extracted as a separate, independent component from the retaining bar assembly. This allows the valve guide to remain installed in the port block while only the retaining bar segments are removed for filter element replacement, preventing unnecessary removal of the valve and valve spring and thereby maintaining high assembling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bar is designed with dynamic, movable segments that can be selectively engaged and disengaged. This dynamic structure allows the retaining bar to be opened for filter element access while keeping the valve guide and valve assembly in place, optimizing both ease of repair and assembling efficiency
3Ease of repair
If the filter element and valve are replaced together as an assembly, then the replacement can be performed, but the assembling process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement assembly is segmented into modular components: retaining bar segments, filter element, valve guide, valve, and valve spring. This segmentation allows selective replacement of only the necessary components (e.g., filter element alone) rather than requiring replacement of the entire assembly, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bar segments are pre-configured with engagement features that allow quick connection and disconnection. This preliminary preparation enables rapid replacement of the filter element without requiring time-consuming assembly or disassembly of the valve and valve spring, thereby reducing loss of time during maintenance operations
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 design simplifies the replacement and assembly of filter elements and valves, enhancing the overall efficiency of the filter regulator's assembling process by allowing for easier handling and installation of new components.
Implementation Method 1
elastically-deformable retaining bars in which base ends are attached to the port block, and front ends are radially displaced between a closed steady state and an opened state
Data Source
AI summary
A filter regulator improved in efficiency of assembling and detaching a filter element and a valve spring at the time of maintenance is disclosed herein. A valve is disposed so as to face a valve seat provided to an opening end of a communication hole through which a primary port and a secondary port communicate with each other, and a valve spring applies a spring force to the valve in a direction of closing the communication hole. A plurality of retaining bars are provided to a port block, elastically-deformable front ends thereof are radially displaced between a closed steady state and an opened state, and with the valve spring disposed, engaging claws are provided to the front ends of the retaining bars, and engage with the other end of the valve spring disposed. A filter element is attached to the outside of the retaining bars.