Snap-on Strainer with Flexible Tab Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strainers for low flow pumping applications are cumbersome to open and clean, require disconnecting from plumbing, and involve handling contaminated metal screens, posing challenges in maintenance and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A strainer device with snap-action coupling members, featuring flexible tabs and tab openings that allow easy assembly and disassembly, enabling quick cleaning of the screen without disconnecting from plumbing, and incorporating a quick connect port for efficient plumbing connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening methods (bayonet latch, threaded bowl, screws) are used to secure the strainer cover, then the strainer housing is securely fastened, but the strainer becomes hard to open and close for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into multiple flexible tabs distributed around the strainer cover perimeter, allowing incremental engagement and disengagement. Each tab can be independently manipulated, enabling the cover to be opened gradually rather than requiring forceful removal of a single secure fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tabs transition from a rigid locked state during normal operation to a compliant state during opening/closing. The tabs dynamically change their mechanical properties, being rigid enough to secure the cover tightly during pumping but flexible enough to be easily deflected for maintenance access.
2Ease of operation
If the entire strainer assembly is disconnected from plumbing to clean the strainer, then complete access is achieved, but the cleaning process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer assembly is segmented into modular components with the strainer cover and screen able to be independently removed from the housing. This segmentation allows the screen to be accessed and cleaned without disturbing the plumbing connections on the housing side, eliminating the need for complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is extracted as a separable component that can be removed from the strainer cover assembly. This extraction allows the screen to be taken out for cleaning while the strainer housing and plumbing connections remain in place, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
3Strength
If the screen is made of metal material, then durability is improved, but handling the contaminated screen becomes unhygienic and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The screen material parameters are changed from traditional metal to plastic or mesh materials that resist contamination and are easier to clean. This parameter change maintains sufficient durability for the application while eliminating hygiene concerns associated with handling contaminated metal screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component made from inexpensive plastic or mesh material. Instead of using durable but hard-to-clean metal screens, the invention employs cheaper materials that can be quickly discarded or cleaned without hygiene concerns, aligning with the principle of using simple, replaceable components.
4Reliability
If the strainer cover and housing are tightly secured, then sealing and filtration effectiveness are maintained, but quick access for maintenance is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tabs provide dynamic coupling that adapts between tight sealing during operation and easy release during maintenance. The tabs maintain constant pressure against the housing for reliable sealing, yet can be quickly deflected to release the cover, providing both sealing reliability and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tabs are designed to be manually deflectable by the operator without requiring tools or complex mechanisms. The coupling mechanism serves itself by using the natural flexibility of the tabs to both secure and release the cover, enabling quick maintenance access while maintaining reliable sealing during normal operation.
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
Facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance by allowing the screen to be removed and rinsed without handling contaminated parts, while providing secure and efficient plumbing connections, suitable for various low flow pumping applications.
Implementation Method 1
a strainer housing having second coupling members, at least one of the second coupling members coupling with at least one of the first coupling members with a snap action for fastening the strainer cover and the strainer housing together. The first coupling members may include tab openings and the second coupling members may include flexible tabs arranged on the strainer housing and passing through the tab openings.
Implementation Method 2
The strainer cover assembly includes a strainer portion with a screen for filtering a medium passing through the strainer device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention features a device having a strainer cover assembly having a strainer cover with tab openings, and a strainer housing having flexible tabs arranged thereon, the flexible tabs passing through the tab openings and fastening on the strainer cover with a snap action. The flexible tabs are deflected for removing the strainer cover. The strainer cover assembly includes a strainer with a screen for filtering a medium passing through the device. The snap action of the flexible tabs makes it easy to open, slide out and clean the screen on the strainer cover assembly. The strainer cover assembly and the screen may be formed as an integral unit, which helps in cleaning the screen. In operation, the user simply compresses the snap tabs and slides out the screen which is attached to the strainer cover assembly and rinses the contaminated screen while holding it by the strainer cover assembly. The integral unit being formed by plastic mold injection. The screen may be made of stainless steel material. The strainer cover assembly may be made of a clear plastic material.