Annular Filter Thread Connection for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter devices face difficulties in easily removing large annular filter elements, especially in utility vehicles, due to high friction forces between sealing rings and surfaces, which can prevent the filter element from being drawn out of the housing pot during servicing, even after prolonged operation.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a housing and cover that uses a novel thread connection system, featuring a dome with an outer thread interrupted by free passages and hollow cylindrical spring elements with inner threads, allowing for easy mounting and dismantling of large annular filter elements by transferring sufficient force, even when seals have expanded, through a wedge-shaped thread configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clip connection is used between the cover and the annular filter element, then the structure is simple, but the holding force becomes insufficient when sealing rings expand during operation, preventing easy removal of the filter element
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static clip connection to a dynamic threaded connection with spring elements that can adapt to varying forces. The spring elements compress during assembly and maintain constant contact pressure, allowing the connection to accommodate sealing ring expansion while maintaining sufficient holding force for filter element removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread pitch parameters are specifically designed with different pitches in different sections (coarser pitch for initial engagement, finer pitch for final tightening). This parameter variation allows the connection to achieve both easy initial assembly and sufficient holding force under expanded sealing conditions.
2Force
If a threaded connection with spring elements is used between the cover and filter element, then sufficient force is transferred for easy removal even with expanded seals, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are integrated directly into the cover structure, and the threaded connection is combined with the sealing function. The dome-shaped element with external thread merges the positioning, connection, and sealing functions into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection, transfers force for filter removal, accommodates sealing ring expansion, and guides proper assembly alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the outer thread has continuous structure, then manufacturing is simple, but misalignment occurs during assembly; if interrupted by free passages, then alignment is improved but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous outer thread is segmented into discrete thread sections separated by free passages. This segmentation creates alignment features that guide the spring elements into proper positions during assembly, improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The free passages act as intermediaries that guide the spring elements during assembly, ensuring proper alignment between the cover and filter element. These passages facilitate the self-alignment process while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing requirements.
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
Enables simple and force-efficient mounting and dismantling of annular filter elements, ensuring reliable removal even with increased holding forces, and prevents misalignment by using a key/lock principle for secure filter performance.
Implementation Method 1
hollow cylindrical spring elements (14) protruding axially on the cover (3), on which respectively an inner thread portion (15) is arranged, designed to complement the outer thread (13). The inner thread portions (15) extend respectively over a longer circumferential portion than a free passage (12).
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device may include a filter housing with a filter housing pot and a cover screwable onto the filter housing pot, and an annular filter element arranged in the filter housing and having an axially protruding pin for closing a run-off channel. The annular filter element may be connected to the cover via a first thread, which may have a dome protruding centrally and axially from an upper end disc of the annular filter element. The first thread may be designed running counter to a second thread arranged between the filter housing pot and the cover.