Modular Filter Assembly With Connecting Cover for Length Variety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifier filters in various lengths increase manufacturing difficulty and managerial costs, leading to high inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly comprising a connecting cover with a tubular wall, partition plate, and clamping rings, which securely interconnects two filter tubes, allowing for customizable lengths and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If filters are manufactured in various lengths (20 inches, 30 inches, 40 inches), then customer needs for different filter lengths are met, but manufacturing difficulty and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple standard-length filter tubes (e.g., 20-inch segments) that can be individually manufactured and then assembled in different combinations to create filters of various total lengths (20, 30, 40 inches). The connecting cover with multiple insertion slots enables this modular assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining length variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting cover is designed with multiple insertion slots and a partition plate that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of filter tubes. This universal design allows the same connecting cover to be used for assembling filters of various lengths, eliminating the need for different specialized components for each length variant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters are manufactured in various lengths (20 inches, 30 inches, 40 inches), then customer needs for different filter lengths are met, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filter into standardized tubes that can be assembled in different quantities and combinations, the system reduces inventory requirements. Instead of stocking complete filters of every possible length, only standard-length tubes and universal connecting covers need to be inventoried, significantly reducing inventory costs while maintaining the ability to create various final lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows filter tubes to be easily disassembled and reused for different filter length configurations. Used tubes can be recovered and reassembled with new or existing connecting covers to create filters of different lengths, reducing the need to manufacture or stockpile filters for every possible length scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filters are manufactured in various lengths, then customization options are increased, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into standardized tubes with consistent connection interfaces. Each tube has identical insertion slot configurations and connecting cover mounting points, which simplifies the assembly process. Workers can assemble different-length filters using the same repetitive steps, reducing assembly difficulty despite the variety of final configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting cover is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of filter tubes through its multiple insertion slots and partition plate. This universal design means the same assembly procedure and tools can be used regardless of the final filter length being assembled, maintaining ease of operation across all customization options.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a connecting cover and two filter tubes. The connecting cover includes a tubular wall, a partition plate, and two clamping rings. The tubular wall has an inner wall surface. The partition plate extends in a transverse direction, and has two abutment surfaces and a through hole. The inner wall surface and the abutment surfaces cooperatively define two insertion slots each of which opens unidirectionally. The clamping rings respectively protrude from the abutment surfaces. The two filter tubes are mounted respectively to the insertion slots. Each filter tube has two end surfaces, an outer annular surface, and an inner hole. For each filter tube, one of the end surfaces that is adjacent to the connecting cover abuts against a corresponding one of the abutment surfaces. The clamping rings are respectively inserted into the filter tubes.