Separating Element Removal Aid With Compact End-Disk Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing separating elements like fuel or oil filters from housings often result in damage to the element or housing, risk of injury, increased size requirements, impaired flow, or higher manufacturing costs due to integral grips or difficult handling.
Innovation Solution
A removal system with a separating element featuring a centrally recessed end disk and a removal aid with spaced locking fingers and hook elements that engage radially outside the central recess, allowing for easy, reliable, and compact removal without enlarging the element or affecting flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard tools such as screwdrivers or pliers are used to pry and pull out the separating element, then removal is attempted, but the separating element or housing may become damaged and broken-off pieces may remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated removal tool as an intermediary device between the user and the separating element. This tool features a gripping component that engages with a recess in the separating element, providing controlled force application during removal. The tool acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between standard tools and the separating element, thereby avoiding damage to both the element and housing while ensuring complete removal without broken-off pieces.
2Ease of operation
If receiving openings are formed radially projecting on the oil filter for socket wrench extensions, then rotation is enabled, but the space requirement of the oil filter is disadvantageously increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the removal feature by forming a recess directly within the existing end disk structure of the separating element. The gripping component of the removal tool nests into this recess, allowing rotational force application without requiring any radial projections that would increase the overall diameter of the separating element. The removal feature is nested within the existing structural envelope.
3Ease of operation
If a folding grip is arranged fixedly on the fuel filter element, then handling is improved, but the size of the oil filter is enlarged excessively or flow through the oil filter is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gripping function from the separating element itself and places it in a separate, dedicated removal tool. The recess in the end disk provides the engagement interface, while the gripping component resides entirely in the removal tool. This separation allows the separating element to maintain its compact size and unobstructed flow paths, while the tool provides the necessary handling capability during removal operations.
4Ease of operation
If a removal aid with locking fingers is provided, then removal is enabled, but the force introduction is made difficult for a user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the gripping component with a curved or contoured surface that matches the shape of the recess in the end disk. This curved geometry allows the user's fingers to naturally conform to the grip shape, distributing force evenly across the contact surface. The curved design provides ergonomic advantages, enabling effective force application with reduced user effort compared to straight or angular gripping surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A removal system is provided with a separating element for separating contaminants contained in a fluid and with a removal aid for removing the separating element from a housing. The separating element has an end disk arranged at an end face of the separating element. The end disk has a central recess. The removal aid has a grip section and an intermediate plate with at least two projecting locking fingers. The locking fingers extend along a center axis of the removal aid away from the intermediate plate. Each locking finger has a hook element that serves for engaging behind the end disk of the separating element radially outside of an end disk area that delimits in radial outward direction the central recess. A removal aid for such a removal system is provided.