Threaded Bayonet Filter Head Assembly with Deformable Retainer Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bayonet connection adapters in filter head assemblies face issues with misalignment of locked and unlocked positions due to tolerance stack-ups, leading to improper operation of position indicators.

Innovation Solution

A rotational position tolerance improving retainer ring made of materials with low Young's modulus, such as aluminum or brass, is designed to deform under load, allowing further rotation beyond the predetermined final assembly torque to align the bayonet connection adapter correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional rigid retainers are used in bayonet connection adapters, then structural strength is maintained, but tolerance stack-ups cause misalignment of locked and unlocked positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidretainer strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer ring is made from materials with low Young's modulus (such as aluminum or brass) that allow controlled elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the retainer to flex during assembly, accommodating tolerance variations and achieving proper alignment of locked and unlocked positions while maintaining structural integrity through material selection and geometric design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer ring transitions from a static rigid component to a dynamic flexible component that can deform elastically during the assembly process. This dynamic behavior allows the ring to absorb tolerance stack-ups through controlled deformation, ensuring accurate positioning of the bayonet connection adapter while maintaining strength through the material's elastic properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If assembly torque is increased to ensure proper connection, then connection reliability improves, but position indicator misalignment worsens due to tolerance stack-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidposition indicator alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible retainer ring is designed beforehand to accommodate tolerance variations through controlled elastic deformation. This cushioning effect absorbs the impact of tolerance stack-ups during assembly, allowing the connection to be secured with appropriate torque while maintaining accurate alignment of position indicators without causing misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If the retainer ring is made more flexible to accommodate tolerance variations, then alignment precision improves, but structural strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational position alignmentVSAvoidretainer ring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer ring's flexibility is optimized by selecting materials with low Young's modulus (aluminum or brass) and designing appropriate geometric parameters. This parameter optimization achieves the right balance between flexibility for alignment and strength for structural integrity, allowing the ring to deform elastically within safe limits while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The solution uses materials with inherently low Young's modulus (such as aluminum or brass) that provide both the necessary flexibility for tolerance accommodation and sufficient structural strength. These materials effectively combine the properties of flexibility and strength that would be contradictory in stiffer materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Ensures accurate alignment of locked and unlocked positions, ensuring proper operation of position indicators by accommodating tolerance variations and providing a wide assembly torque range.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250249383A1Filter head assembly having a threaded bayonet connector adapter with a position tolerance improving retainer ring

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 MANN HUMMEL GMBH

AI summary

A filter head assembly includes a filter head and a threaded bayonet connection adapter having a rotational position tolerance improving retainer ring. The rotational position tolerance improving retainer ring providing for and enabling the critical further deformation of the rotational position tolerance improving retainer ring beyond the predetermined final assembly torque to achieve the required critical final rotational position of the threaded bayonet connection adapter for the correct operation of the open and locked position indicators on the filter head.