Rotatable End Cap Fluid Filter Module for Confined Space Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filter modules have limited installation configurations due to fixed fluid ports, which can be problematic in confined spaces or when multiple modules are aligned in close proximity, or where fluid inlet and outlet line placement is restricted.
Innovation Solution
The fluid filter module design includes a tubular housing with end cap assemblies that feature a base, a radially extending fluid port, and sealed bosses, which are integral molded structures allowing for flexible port configurations and easier interconnection with fluid lines, including optional handles for improved handling and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid ports are located at fixed locations on the module housing, then the structural design is simple and manufacturing is easier, but installation flexibility is limited and cannot accommodate confined spaces or close proximity module alignments
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap assembly incorporates a rotatable end cap portion that can rotate relative to the housing end, allowing the fluid port orientation to be dynamically adjusted. This rotation mechanism enables the fluid port to be positioned at different angular locations around the housing end, providing installation flexibility without changing the basic fixed-structure design of the housing itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap assembly is divided into separate components including a housing end, a rotatable end cap portion, and a fluid port assembly. This segmentation allows the fluid port to be independently positioned and oriented relative to the housing end, enabling flexible installation configurations while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple modules are aligned in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but fluid inlet and outlet line placement becomes difficult due to fixed port locations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable end cap portion allows the fluid ports to be dynamically oriented at different angles around the module housing end. This enables operators to rotate the end cap to positions that provide optimal access for connecting fluid inlet and outlet lines, even when multiple modules are arranged in close proximity, thereby maintaining ease of operation while maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid port positioning is extended from a fixed two-dimensional location on the housing end to a three-dimensional configuration that includes rotational movement around the housing end axis. This adds a rotational dimension to the port positioning, allowing fluid lines to be connected from various angular directions and facilitating flexible piping arrangements in compact module configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid ports are molded as an integral part of the end cap assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability for different installation configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap assembly is segmented into a housing end with precisely molded fluid ports and a separate rotatable end cap portion. This segmentation allows the fluid ports to be manufactured with high precision in fixed locations on the housing end, while the rotatable end cap portion provides the adaptability to reposition the actual fluid connection points. The segmented design maintains manufacturing precision while enabling installation configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable end cap portion introduces dynamic repositioning capability to the otherwise static molded port structure. The fluid ports remain precisely molded in specific locations on the housing end, but the rotatable end cap allows these ports to be dynamically accessed from different orientations, combining manufacturing precision with installation adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid filter module including an end cap assembly (22, 24) disposed about at least one end of a tubular- shaped housing. The end cap assembly includes a base, fluid port and sealed boss (44, 44', 46) which may optionally comprise an integrally molded structure.