Rapid-action Coupling with Self-cleaning Filter Piston

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rapid-action connection elements for compressed air hoses in hand-held power tools often suffer from filter contamination and clogging, leading to blockages and tool stoppages, as existing self-cleaning filters are not suitable due to space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A rapid-action connection element featuring a flow-through discharge casing with a self-cleaning filter and a displaceable pressure piston that moves between sealed and open positions relative to the casing, allowing dirt to be loosened and removed during coupling, ensuring regular self-cleaning with each use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter is integrated in the rapid-action connection element, then air filtration is improved, but the filter becomes clogged and requires replacement causing tool stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt particlesVSAvoidcontinuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleans itself using the compressed air flow already present in the system. During coupling, the pressure differential causes compressed air to flow through gaps between the pressure piston and discharge casing, creating a cleaning effect that removes accumulated dirt particles from the filter screen without external intervention or tool stoppage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning mechanism activates periodically during each coupling operation. The filter is cleaned at regular intervals corresponding to tool coupling events, preventing cumulative clogging and maintaining reliable operation throughout extended use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a self-cleaning filter with flow display is used, then filter cleaning is improved, but the device occupies additional space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cloggingVSAvoidconnection element size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure piston serves dual functions: it seals the discharge casing during normal operation and simultaneously acts as a flow-deflecting element that enables self-cleaning during coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flow display components while achieving the same self-cleaning effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is merged into the existing coupling mechanism. The pressure piston and coupling member work together to create the cleaning flow path, combining filtration and self-cleaning functions within the same compact structure without requiring additional space for separate cleaning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the pressure piston is sealed during operation, then pressure medium flow is improved, but the filter cannot be cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure sealingVSAvoiddirt accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure piston transitions between two dynamic states: sealed position during normal operation to maintain pressure, and open position during coupling to enable cleaning flow. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain pressure sealing when needed while permitting filter cleaning during coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling action serves as a preliminary cleaning step before the next operation cycle. By opening the pressure piston during coupling, the system proactively removes accumulated dirt particles before they can cause clogging, preparing the filter for continued reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution ensures continuous filtered air delivery to hand-held power tools by regularly cleaning the filter during coupling processes, preventing blockages and maintaining tool functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the built-up, in the discharge casing, inner pressure displaces the pressure piston to its outward position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a filter located in the discharge casing for sealing a flow cross-section, with a compressed air flow being filtered therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7780754B2Rapid-action connection element with a filter

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 HILTI AG

AI summary

A rapid-action connection element for a compressed air hose (3) includes a filter (5) located in the discharge casing (4) for sealing a flow cross-section, a flow-through pressure piston (7) extending, at least partially into the discharge casing (4) and displaceable, within limits between outward position remote from the filter (5) in which the pressure piston (7) is sealed with respect to the discharge casing (4), and an inward position adjacent to the filter (5) in which the pressure piston (7) is open with respect to the discharge casing (4) for flow therebetween, and a flow-through rapid-action coupling member (6a) connected with the pressure piston (7).