Removable Filter Element Assembly for Serviceable Fluid Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for fuel cell cooling loops require complete housing replacement for maintenance, as integrated filter elements cannot be removed, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a removable filter element design, utilizing connecting and disassembly elements that allow the filter element to be easily attached and detached from the housing by rotating it along the axial direction, eliminating the need for replacing the entire system during servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter element is integrated into the housing and cannot be removed, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the complete housing must be replaced for service
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into separate functional components: a housing and a removable filter element. The filter element is designed as a distinct module that can be independently removed from the housing, allowing maintenance without replacing the entire system. This segmentation enables the filter element to be serviced separately while maintaining the integrity of the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is extracted from the housing as a removable component rather than being permanently integrated. The filter element can be taken out for replacement or cleaning, and the housing remains as a separate reusable component. This extraction principle directly addresses the serviceability issue by enabling filter element removal without housing replacement.
2Device complexity
If the filter element is permanently integrated into the housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases because the entire housing must be replaced rather than just the filter element
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable housing and replaceable filter element components. This allows only the consumable filter element to be discarded while the housing is retained and reused, significantly reducing material waste compared to replacing the entire integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use, while the housing is recovered and reused for subsequent filter elements. This discarding and recovering principle minimizes material waste by separating the consumable filter media from the reusable housing structure.
3Ease of repair
If the filter element is removable with rotating disassembly mechanism, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connecting and disassembly elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the filter element and housing transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The filter element can be easily inserted and removed by rotating it, allowing the connection state to change between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism enables simple filter replacement without complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element incorporates self-contained connecting and disassembling functionality through its rotational mechanism. The filter element can be installed and removed by simple rotational motion without requiring external tools, complex alignment procedures, or additional actuation mechanisms, making the system easy to service.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter system (100) for filtering fluids, in particular a liquid fluid filter system, includes a housing (110) comprising a longitudinal segment (111) having a first opening (102), and a branching segment (113) having at least one second opening (104) for fluid passage, the housing (110) extending in an axial direction (80), and the first opening (102) and the at least second opening (104) being separated along the axial direction (80). The filter system (100) further comprises a filter element (10) comprising a filter body (12) configured to protrude into the housing (110) through the first opening (102) and to filter a fluid flow (50) between the first opening (102) and the at least second opening (104).