Flat Heating Module Clamped to Filter Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices with heating modules for fuel filtration face challenges in achieving a secure, flow-tight, and easily detachable connection between the heating module and the filter housing, often requiring additional tools and complex designs that complicate maintenance and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A filter device design featuring a flat contact surface between the heating module and the filter housing, secured by a toggle fastener that distributes clamping forces over a large area, providing mechanical self-locking and easy handling without additional tools, and incorporating flow openings for fluid passage without additional connection pieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a detachable connection between heating module and filter housing is used, then ease of maintenance and replacement is improved, but connection stability and flow-tightness may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenance and replacementVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection that can switch between connected and disconnected states. The clamping mechanism allows the heating module to be securely attached during operation and easily detached for maintenance, providing operational flexibility without compromising connection reliability when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A clamping mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the heating module and filter housing, providing the necessary mechanical force to ensure a stable and flow-tight connection. This intermediary component enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining connection integrity during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the connection, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed to be self-operating, utilizing the natural insertion motion of the heating module into the filter housing to automatically generate and apply clamping force. The mechanism self-activates during the attachment process without requiring external tools or complex manual operations, thereby ensuring connection stability while minimizing device complexity and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If a nozzle engagement connection is used, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex nozzle engagement connection is extracted and replaced with a simpler clamping mechanism that achieves adequate structural integrity without requiring precise nozzle-recess alignment. This extraction of the overly complex connection feature simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly difficulty while maintaining sufficient connection strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If additional connection pieces are used to ensure flow-tightness, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow-tightnessVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged into the clamping mechanism itself, rather than being a separate function requiring additional components. The clamping force applied by the mechanism creates sufficient contact pressure between the heating module and filter housing to ensure flow-tightness, combining the sealing function with the connection function and eliminating the need for additional connection pieces, thereby maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures a secure, flow-tight connection with high clamping forces and ease of attachment/detachment, avoiding local force peaks and simplifying maintenance, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device (4) with a heating element (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The electrical connection element is electrically connected to the filter housing and the heater housing for the purpose of dissipating electrical charge carriers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3641907B1Filter device comprising a heating module
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP3641907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3641907B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter device comprising a heating module that is connected to a filter housing, said heating module lying flat against the filter housing, wherein the heating module is held on the filter housing via a clamping closure.