Slanted Rim Filter Element Prevents Installation Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressed air filters require frequent replacement of filter elements, which can lead to pressure drop losses and damage during installation due to forced rotation and improper engagement with the filter head.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with a radially slanted outer rim and a filter body with a slanted ledge ensure secure engagement without damaging the filter element, allowing for easy installation and preventing rotation during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter element is driven into engagement with the filter head using conventional methods, then the filter element can be installed, but the filter element may be damaged due to forced rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddamage to filter element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is pre-oriented during insertion so that its tapered surface engages with the corresponding tapered surface in the filter body before full insertion. This preliminary engagement guides the filter element into the correct orientation and prevents forced rotation during the driving process, eliminating damage while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the filter element is allowed to rotate freely during installation, then damage is prevented, but proper engagement with the filter head cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidengagement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered surfaces on the filter element and filter body create a self-aligning mechanism during insertion. The taper angle is designed so that the filter element automatically orients itself and engages precisely with the filter body and filter head without requiring external guidance or risking rotation, achieving both protection from damage and engagement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter body is designed with a simple open end, then manufacturing is easy, but secure engagement with the filter element cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filter body manufacturingVSAvoidengagement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter body is manufactured with pre-formed tapered surfaces and ledges that correspond to the filter element geometry. These features are created during the molding process, allowing the filter body to be easily manufactured while the tapered surfaces ensure reliable, self-aligning engagement with the filter element during assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-processing or assembly fixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2906327B1Filter element and filter bowl for compressed air filter
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 INGERSOLL RAND CO
  • EP2906327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2906327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter element for a compressed air filter includes a filter element having an upper end cap and a lower end, the upper end cap having a rim extending and defining an outer perimeter of the upper end cap, the rim includes an outer slanted surface which extends radially outward and upward. A filter body is also provided and defines a cavity and includes an open upper end for receiving the filter element, the open upper end includes a ledge, wherein the ledge is slanted and extends radially inward and downward, defining a seat for matingly receiving the slanted surface of the rim of the upper end cap. A filter head is provided and includes a filter element connector for coupling to a collar of the filter element, and a filter body connector for coupling to the filter body.