Swivel-Joint Removal Tool for Liquid Filter Insert Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disassembly tools for liquid filter inserts are either specific to each filter design or diameter, requiring custom tools and risking damage to the filter element during removal due to instability and misalignment issues, especially with manufacturing tolerances and adhesive materials.

Innovation Solution

A disassembly tool with two arms connected by a swivel joint, allowing adjustable hook distance for secure engagement behind the end cap edges, ensuring stable extraction without mechanical contact with the filter element, suitable for various filter inserts and diameters, and manufactured simply and inexpensively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-piece disassembly tool is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the tool cannot accommodate different filter designs and diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different filter designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disassembly tool is divided into two separate arms instead of being a one-piece structure. Each arm can independently adjust its position and orientation, allowing the tool to adapt to different filter insert diameters and designs while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for each individual arm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two arms are connected by a swivel joint that allows relative rotation between the arms. This dynamic connection enables the tool to adjust its configuration to match different filter insert sizes and geometries, providing versatility without requiring completely different tools for each application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the disassembly tool is made flexible or elastic to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then insertion is easier, but stability during pull-out is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidstability during pull-out
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tool consists of two separate rigid arms connected by a swivel joint, allowing each arm to maintain structural stability while the joint provides the necessary flexibility for insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relative angle between the two arms can be adjusted via the swivel joint to optimize both insertion ease and pull-out stability. The arms can be positioned at different angles depending on the specific filter insert being removed, adapting the tool's geometry to each situation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If custom disassembly tools are designed for each filter insert diameter, then precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval reliabilityVSAvoidtool variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two-arm disassembly tool with a swivel joint can be used for removing filter inserts of various diameters and designs by adjusting the arm positions and relative angles. This single universal tool replaces the need for multiple custom-designed tools, reducing device complexity and production costs while maintaining reliable removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic swivel joint connection allows the tool to adapt its geometry to match different filter insert specifications, providing the precision and reliability of custom tools without requiring separate custom tools for each application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3600775B1Removal tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3600775B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3600775B1 patent drawingFigure 1d~1e
  • EP3600775B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a removal tool (1) for a filter insert (70) of a liquid filter (90). The removal tool (1) according to the invention comprises a first arm (10) having a first outer side (13), wherein the first outer side (13) extends along a first axis (A1). The removal tool furthermore comprises a second arm (20) having a second outer side (23), wherein the second outer side (23) extends along a second axis (A2). The first arm (10) has a first hook (11), which protrudes substantially transverse to the first axis (A1) of the first arm (10). The second arm (20) has a second hook (21), which protrudes substantially transverse to the second axis (A2) of the second arm (20). According to the invention, the first outer side (13) and the second outer side (23) are connected to each other by means of a swivel joint (30, 32) having a joint axis (A3).