Keyed Spinning Thread-On Filter Attachment for Spill-Limited Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spin-on replacement filters lack effective keying mechanisms to prevent incorrect attachment to filter heads, leading to potential damage and spillage during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a spinning disc element featuring keyed protrusions and a rotatable header disc that ensures correct attachment and minimizes spillage by directing remaining fluid into the filter element during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary threaded spud is used for filter attachment, then the filter element can be easily attached, but incorrect filter elements can be accidentally attached causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric keyed protrusions on the spinning disc element that must align with corresponding asymmetric openings in the header disc. This asymmetric geometry prevents incorrect filter elements from being attached, as only the properly keyed filter will align and allow attachment to the threaded spud.
Solution Approach 2:
The header disc is designed to rotate freely on the filter head before attachment. During the attachment process, the filter element causes the header disc to rotate until the keyed protrusions align with the openings. This dynamic rotation capability allows the system to self-align while maintaining the protective keying mechanism.
2Reliability
If a keying mechanism is added to prevent incorrect attachment, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spinning disc element serves multiple functions: it provides the keyed protrusions for prevention of incorrect attachment, acts as a rotation mechanism for self-alignment, and supports the threaded opening for final attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the keying mechanism, rotation mechanism, and attachment mechanism into a single integrated spinning disc element and header disc assembly. This merging of functions achieves reliable prevention of incorrect attachment while minimizing the addition of separate components.
3Ease of repair
If the filter element is removed from the header, then maintenance can be performed, but remaining fluid spills causing mess and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed protrusions are designed to maintain alignment between the header disc openings and the filter element flow openings throughout the attachment and removal process. This preliminary alignment ensures that as the filter is being removed, any remaining fluid is channeled through the keyed protrusions into the filter element rather than spilling outward, preventing mess and damage during maintenance.
4Reliability
If the header disc is made rotatable for keying operation, then incorrect attachment is prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable header disc is designed to rotate freely under the influence of the attachment force applied during filter installation. The system uses the natural rotation capability of the header disc on the filter head to achieve self-alignment of the keyed protrusions with the openings, without requiring additional motors, actuators, or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter element including a canister, media, and a spinning disc element is provided. The canister circumscribes a central axis. A tap plate is at an end of the canister having a central threaded opening along the central axis of the canister. The tap plate includes a first outer opening radially spaced between the central opening and a periphery of the tap plate. The disc element is supported for rotation on the tap plate. A first keyed protrusion projects outwardly from the disc element. The keyed protrusion defines a first flow opening. The spinning disc element is rotatable about the central axis. The first outer opening is in fluid communication with the first opening of the first keyed protrusion such that fluid can into or out of the canister. Filter systems including a filter head to which the filter element may be mounted are also provided.