Removal Tool With Elastic Arms And Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removal tools for liquid filter inserts face challenges in being both flexible enough to insert without damage and stable enough to pull out securely, especially with varying opening diameters and firm filter inserts, leading to potential damage or incomplete removal.
Innovation Solution
A removal tool with elastically reversibly deflectable arms and a retaining element that transitions from an open state for easy insertion to a closed state for stability during pull-out, preventing slipping and ensuring secure engagement with the filter insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the removal tool is made flexible or elastic to enable easy insertion through openings of varying diameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and strength during pull-out deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool transitions from a rigid state during insertion to a flexible state during pull-out. The arms are elastically deflectable to navigate openings of varying diameters during insertion, then the retaining element engages to lock the arms in a fixed position for stable pull-out, dynamically adapting the tool's mechanical properties to each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes its physical parameters between insertion and pull-out phases. During insertion, the arms are flexible with deflectable hooks to accommodate diameter variations. During pull-out, the retaining element engages to fix the arms in position, changing the tool from a flexible structure to a rigid one for stable force transmission.
2Strength
If the removal tool is made rigid to ensure stability during pull-out, then the strength is improved, but the ease of insertion deteriorates due to inability to accommodate varying opening diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool transitions from a rigid state during insertion to a flexible state during pull-out. The arms are elastically deflectable to navigate openings of varying diameters during insertion, then the retaining element engages to lock the arms in a fixed position for stable pull-out, dynamically adapting the tool's mechanical properties to each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes its physical parameters between insertion and pull-out phases. During insertion, the arms are flexible with deflectable hooks to accommodate diameter variations. During pull-out, the retaining element engages to fix the arms in position, changing the tool from a flexible structure to a rigid one for stable force transmission.
3Device complexity
If a one-piece rigid removal tool is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying opening diameters and firm filter inserts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is divided into separate functional components: a body, elastically deflectable arms with hooks, and a retaining element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the flexible arms adapt to opening diameters while the retaining element provides pull-out stability, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool transitions from a rigid state during insertion to a flexible state during pull-out. The arms are elastically deflectable to navigate openings of varying diameters during insertion, then the retaining element engages to lock the arms in a fixed position for stable pull-out, dynamically adapting the tool's mechanical properties to each operational phase.
4Ease of operation
If the removal tool is made flexible to enable insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of complete removal deteriorates due to potential slippening
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to engage the arms in a fixed position before the pull-out operation begins. This preliminary action of locking the arms prevents slippening during the subsequent pull-out phase, ensuring reliable complete removal while maintaining ease of insertion through the flexible arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes its physical parameters between insertion and pull-out phases. During insertion, the arms are flexible with deflectable hooks to accommodate diameter variations. During pull-out, the retaining element engages to fix the arms in position, changing the tool from a flexible structure to a rigid one for stable force transmission.
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 tool allows for easy, damage-free insertion and reliable removal of the filter insert without slipping, even with tight fits or varying diameters, ensuring complete extraction and cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The two arms (10, 20) are elastically reversibly deflectable toward one another
Data Source
AI summary
A removal tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter. The removal tool includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis. At a distal end, the body includes a first arm and a second arm, the two arms extending essentially in parallel to the longitudinal axis and being spaced apart from one another. The two arms are elastically reversibly deflectable toward one another. A retaining element is situated at the first arm. In an open state of the retaining element, the two arms may be moved toward one another. In a closed state of the retaining element, the retaining element couples the two arms to one another and blocks a movement of the two arms toward one another.