Filter Element Retention Structure for Low-Height Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices face challenges in simplifying assembly and replacement of filter elements, often requiring complex mounting procedures and increased installation space, and are prone to undesirable friction and clamping during operation.
Innovation Solution
The filter device features a pre-assembled filter element in a housing pot, secured by radially projecting and inward-facing retaining elements, which center and axially hold the element, allowing for simplified assembly and replacement, and reduces the required mounting height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter element is mounted on the housing head before attaching the housing pot, then the filter element can be securely held, but the assembly height increases and replacement requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is pre-assembled in the housing pot before the housing head is attached. The housing pot includes retaining elements that preliminarily secure the filter element in position, so that when the housing head is subsequently attached, the filter element is already properly positioned and secured, eliminating the need for additional mounting space on the housing head
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the housing pot, which itself is then nested within the complete housing assembly. This nested arrangement allows the filter element to be held securely by the housing pot's retaining elements while maintaining a compact overall assembly height, as the filter element utilizes the internal space of the housing pot rather than requiring external mounting space
2Ease of operation
If the filter element is pre-assembled in the housing pot with retaining elements, then assembly is simplified and mounting height is reduced, but the filter element may experience friction and clamping during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two separate parts: the housing pot that holds the filter element, and the housing head that attaches to the pot. The retaining elements are integrated into the housing pot rather than the housing head, creating a clear functional separation. This segmentation allows the filter element to be securely held by the pot while minimizing contact and friction with the housing head during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The housing pot acts as an intermediary between the filter element and the housing head. The retaining elements on the housing pot provide the securing function, while the housing head provides the external housing function. This intermediary arrangement ensures that the filter element is held securely without direct contact that would cause friction or clamping during operation
3Ease of operation
If retaining elements are used to center and hold the filter element, then assembly is simplified, but rotational movement may still occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are designed with asymmetric features including circumferentially extending bases and legs positioned at specific locations. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique engagement geometry between the retaining elements and the filter element, providing both centering and anti-rotation functionality. The asymmetric design ensures that the filter element can only be installed in the correct orientation and remains stable against rotational movement during operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter device (1) comprising a housing pot (4) and a housing head (5) detachably connected to the housing pot (4), in which a filter element (7) is replaceably mounted. Simplified assembly of the filter device (1) and/or simplified replacement of the filter element (7), as well as a reduction in the installation height required for maintenance, result from the filter element (7) being pre-assembled in the housing pot (4). The housing pot (4) has at least one radially projecting retaining element (11), and the filter element (7) has a corresponding counter-retaining element (12) for each retaining element (11). These elements interlock in the pre-assembled state, so that the filter element (7) is centered and axially held in the housing pot (4). The invention further relates to such a filter element (7).