Snap Member Latch Mechanism for Filter Element Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration devices face challenges due to space constraints and complexity in replacing filter media, which can decrease engine efficiency as the pressure differential increases with debris accumulation, and existing latch mechanisms complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
A filtration device with a filter element and housing that uses snap members with a fulcrum and lever mechanism, allowing for resilient engagement with ramp members to connect and disconnect the filter element from the housing without direct user contact with the latch mechanism, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used to secure the filter element, then the filter element can be reliably retained in the housing, but the replacement process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring manual manipulation. When the filter element is inserted, the lever is pushed against the ramp member, causing the snap member to automatically snap into the latched position. For removal, the filter element is simply pulled outward, and the snap member automatically disengages from the ramp member, allowing the filter element to be removed without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional manual latch mechanism is replaced with a spring-based automatic latch system. The spring provides the necessary force to maintain engagement between the snap member and ramp member, while the ramp member's geometry automatically guides the engagement and disengagement process, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Volume of moving object
If space constraints are considered in machine design, then compactness is improved, but the inclusion of latch mechanisms limits the size and quantity of filtration devices
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the filter element and housing structures. The snap member is formed as part of the filter element assembly, while the ramp member is formed as part of the housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate latch components, reducing overall device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap member incorporates a flexible lever that can deflect during engagement and disengagement. This flexibility allows the latch mechanism to operate with minimal space, as the lever can bend to accommodate the engagement motion without requiring additional clearance or complex mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If the filter media is periodically removed for replacement, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but the latch mechanisms complicate the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically performs the securing and releasing functions during filter replacement. When the filter element is inserted, the snap member automatically engages with the ramp member to secure it. When the filter element is pulled for replacement, the snap member automatically disengages, eliminating the need for manual latching or unlatching operations and reducing replacement time.
4Ease of operation
If the lever is designed to extend perpendicular to the fulcrum, then the latch portion can slide over the angled surface of the ramp member, but the structure requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member is pre-positioned on the housing with its angled surface oriented to guide the lever during insertion. The geometry of the ramp member and the perpendicular orientation of the lever are designed so that as the filter element is inserted, the lever naturally follows the angled surface of the ramp member, automatically achieving the correct alignment and engagement position without requiring precise manual adjustment.
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 solution enables compact and efficient filtration, reducing space requirements and simplifying the replacement process while maintaining the filtration efficiency and durability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The snap member is configured to resiliently engage one or more ramp members of a housing
Implementation Method 2
The latch portion comprises a lower surface that faces the flange and is configured to slide over an angled surface of the one or more ramp members
Data Source
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AI summary
A filtration device may include a filter element and a housing that is configured to receive the filter element. The filter element may include a casing having a first outer surface and a flange connected to the first outer surface. The flange may include a plurality of snap members. A snap member, of the plurality of snap members, may include a fulcrum projecting from the flange and a lever mounted on the fulcrum. The housing may include a shell having a second outer surface and a plurality of ramp members. The plurality of ramp members may be fixedly connected to the second outer surface and may be configured to engage the plurality of snap members of the filter element. A ramp member, of the plurality of ramp members, may include an angled surface that extends from the second outer surface at an acute angle relative to the second outer surface.