Filter Assembly Valve Actuation via Lug and Ramp Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies face challenges in preventing fluid leakage when a filter element is not properly seated or assembled, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly design featuring a valve member that moves axially between closed and open positions based on lug and ramp surface engagement, ensuring fluid flow only when the filter element is correctly assembled, and utilizing cooperating sealing surfaces and deformable sealing members for a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a filter element is made removable for replacement, then maintenance and replacement become easier, but fluid leakage risk increases when the element is not properly seated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is positioned to block the flow path in advance, before the filter element is fully installed. As the filter element is threaded into the housing, the valve member is pushed axially to uncover the flow path. This preliminary blocking action prevents fluid leakage during the assembly process while automatically enabling flow when properly installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surface on the valve member is positioned to engage with the sealing surface on the filter element during the threading operation. This preliminary sealing action ensures that a fluid-tight seal is established before the filter element is fully installed, preventing leakage while maintaining ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If seals are created between the filter element and housing, then fluid containment is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the valve member that controls fluid flow. The valve member incorporates a sealing surface that engages with the filter element during installation, combining the sealing function with the flow control function in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid containment.
3Reliability
If a valve mechanism is added to control flow, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be self-actuating through the threading motion of the filter element. As the filter element is screwed into the housing, the threading motion automatically pushes the valve member axially to uncover the flow path. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, complex control systems, or additional components, maintaining simplicity while effectively preventing fluid leakage.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the valve member moves axially to open the flow path, then proper assembly detection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member incorporates a localized sealing surface that engages with a corresponding sealing surface on the filter element. This localized engagement provides a clear tactile and visual indication of proper assembly. The threading motion naturally guides the valve member to the correct axial position, where the sealing surfaces meet, providing inherent feedback on assembly status without requiring complex detection systems or extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter assembly (2) is disclosed which comprises a filter element (100) for filtering a fluid, and a mount (14) having at least one port (15), each of the filter element (100) and the mount (14) having interengaging connection formations by which the filter element (100) and the mount (14) can be detachably connected to one another, and the mount (14) defining a flow path for fluid to flow between the port (15) and the filter element (100) when the filter element (100) is connected to the mount (14). The mount (14) includes a valve for controlling flow of fluid along the flow path, the valve including a valve member (214) which can move between an open position in which fluid can flow along the flow path and a closed position in which the valve (214) at least partially prevents flow of fluid along the flow path. One of the filter element (100) and the mount (14) has at least one lug (220) and the other of the filter element (100) and the mount (14) has a ramp surface (130), the lug (220) engaging the ramp surface (130) when the filter element (100) and the mount (14) are brought together along an assembly axis and a cam action between the lug (220) and the ramp surface (130) causing axial movement of the valve member (214) when the filter element (100) is then rotated relative to the mount (14).