Non-Circular Spigot Rotary Vessel for Easier Filter Servicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The servicing and replacement of rotary vessels in filter assemblies, particularly those used in lubricating oil circuits of internal combustion engines, are time-consuming and difficult due to limited space and the risk of accidental separation or leakage when removing the rotor from the housing.

Innovation Solution

A rotary vessel with a non-circular spigot and a locking mechanism that inhibits rotation, allowing for secure engagement with a bearing and facilitating removal by preventing accidental separation, combined with a self-powerable design using a pressurized working fluid for rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a circular spigot is used for rotation, then the rotor can rotate freely, but the spigot experiences excessive wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation freedomVSAvoidspigot wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spigot is designed with a non-circular cross-section (e.g., rectangular, oval, or polygonal) instead of a traditional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry allows the spigot to engage with a correspondingly shaped bearing, permitting rotation while preventing the spigot from rotating within the bearing. The asymmetric shape creates specific engagement points that reduce wear by distributing contact forces more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of repair

If the closure member is made separable for maintenance, then the rotary vessel can be removed for servicing, but accidental separation or leakage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental separation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism is incorporated into the closure member that automatically engages to secure the closure to the housing before maintenance activities begin. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental separation during maintenance operations. The locking mechanism may include features such as lugs, clips, or threaded connections that must be deliberately actuated to release, ensuring the closure remains securely attached during servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If limited space is available in the filter assembly housing, then the overall device size is compact, but rotor removal and servicing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing compactnessVSAvoidrotor removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into separable components: the housing, the closure member, and the rotary vessel (rotor assembly). The closure member can be detached from the housing, and the rotary vessel can be removed from the housing through the open closure. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance access despite the compact overall size when assembled, as components can be disassembled and serviced independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces wear on the spigot, enhances safety by preventing accidental separation, and simplifies the removal process of the rotary vessel, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and reducing the risk of fluid leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a drive nozzle for emitting a pressurized working fluid therefrom to cause rotation of the rotor body by a reactive force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReactive force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

a spigot comprising a non-circular cross-section integral or coupled to the rotor body and extending therefrom along the axis of rotation for engagement with a bearing. This arrangement may inhibit rotation of the spigot when engaged with a bearing in a filter assembly, thus reducing wear of the spigot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS11318402B2Rotary vessel with a spigot having a non-circular outer circumferential cross-section forming an axial movement limiting engagement with a housing closure member

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A rotary vessel for a filter assembly has a rotor body rotatable about an axis of rotation and a spigot with a non-circular cross-section and integral with or coupled to the rotor body. The spigot extends away from the rotor body along the axis of rotation and engages with a bearing. The spigot facilitates transfer of rotary motion between the rotor body and the bearing. A filter assembly has a housing with a main body and a closure member separably attachable to the main body. The rotary vessel is disposed inside the housing. The closure member retains the rotary vessel inside the housing and is separable from the main body to permit removal of the rotary vessel from the housing. The spigot integral with or coupled to the rotor vessel engages with a bearing of the filter assembly to rotatably support the rotary vessel in the housing.