Rotary Vessel Spigot Locking 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 internal combustion engines, are time-consuming and difficult due to limited space, especially when the assemblies are in situ, as the existing designs do not facilitate easy removal and installation.
Innovation Solution
A rotary vessel with an integral or coupled spigot that includes elastically deformable portions and a non-circular cross-section, allowing for self-powering through a pressurized working fluid and facilitating easy removal by inhibiting movement relative to the housing, combined with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental separation and unsealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rotary vessel is designed with a fixed rigid spigot, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of removal and installation deteriorates due to limited space and difficulty in maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is designed with elastically deformable portions that allow it to flex and adapt during insertion and removal operations. This dynamic characteristic enables the spigot to be maneuvered into tight spaces and engaged with the bearing, then lock into a fixed position once properly seated, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for ease of installation
2Ease of operation
If the spigot is made fully flexible to facilitate easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to potential misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during operation. The elastically deformable portions allow flexibility only during the insertion phase, then lock into a stable configuration that provides reliable support for the rotary vessel during centrifugal separation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot is designed to perform the flexible insertion action first, then automatically transition to a rigid locked position once engaged with the bearing. This preliminary flexible action followed by automatic locking ensures both ease of insertion and connection reliability without requiring separate operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spigot allows radial movement during operation, then the adaptability to misalignment is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased wear and reduced operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot allows radial movement only during the insertion phase to accommodate misalignment, then locks into a fixed position that eliminates play and ensures efficient operation. The dynamic design provides adaptability when needed but maintains stability during operation to prevent wear and maintain productivity
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 the complexity and time required for servicing by enabling easy removal and installation of the rotary vessel, preventing accidental separation, and reducing wear on components, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the filter assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the spigot does comprise one or more elastically deformable portions upon which the abutment surface is provided on or coupled to such that the abutment surface may be radially moveable relative to axis of rotation by deformation of the one or more elastically deformable portions
Implementation Method 2
the rotary vessel is self-powerable in that rotor body may have a drive nozzle for emitting a pressurised working fluid therefrom to cause rotation of the rotor body by a reactive force
Implementation Method 3
As the working fluid flows through the spinning rotor, denser contaminants or particles are separated therefrom by centrifugal force
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a rotary vessel (20) for a filter assembly (10), the rotary vessel comprising a rotor body (24) rotatable about an axis of rotation (26) and a spigot (28) integral or coupled to the rotor body and extending therefrom along the axis of rotation. The spigot (28) has an abutment surface (70) against which, in use, a cooperating surface (72) abuts to inhibit a movement of the rotary vessel (20) relative to the cooperating surface (72) and parallel to the axis of rotation (26).