Modular Filter Assembly With Screwless Staggered Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of fluid filter layers is cumbersome due to the need for screws of varying lengths, increasing both assembling and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly comprising filter units with connecting members, input members with separate chambers, and output members featuring staggered holes for easy assembly without tools, allowing for adjustable unit numbers and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If layers are assembled using screws of varying lengths, then the number of layers can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes troublesome and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple independent filter layers, each layer being a separate module that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each layer includes its own separating portion with input/output holes, allowing individual layers to be stacked in different quantities without affecting the overall structure or requiring different screw lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal connecting structure is designed with through holes that serve multiple functions: they act as alignment guides, connection points, and fastening locations. The same connecting structure and screw length can be used regardless of the number of layers, eliminating the need for varying screw lengths while maintaining adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If layers are assembled using screws of varying lengths, then the number of layers can be adjusted, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each filter layer is manufactured as a standardized module with identical connecting structures and through hole arrangements. This segmentation allows for mass production of uniform components that can be combined in any quantity, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing custom-length screws for different layer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design standardizes the connecting structure parameters (hole positions, sizes, and patterns) across all layers, allowing the same components to be used regardless of the total number of layers. This parameter standardization simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces inventory requirements for different screw lengths.
3Reliability
If multiple screws of different lengths are used, then layers can be secured, but assembling time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structures with precisely positioned through holes are pre-designed and pre-positioned on each filter layer during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment when layers are stacked, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during assembly and reducing assembling time while maintaining secure fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for a fluid filter includes a plurality of filter units assembled in series, and each filter unit includes: a connecting member, an input member and an output member. The input member of each of the filter units has an extending pipe connected to a connecting pipe of another filter unit, so that the filter units can be easily assembled by directly screwing the connecting pipe of the connecting member of one filter unit into the extending pipe of the input member of another filter unit, without using tools or fasteners. Hence, the assembling cost is relatively reduced.