Threadless Adapter for Filter Housing Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filtration systems, such as fuel and oil filters, face challenges with increased manufacturing complexity and cost due to the need for threaded connections between housing, filter head, and adapter, which limits adaptability and flexibility in shell diameters and wall thickness, and introduces torsional twist during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly design that eliminates direct threaded connections by using an adapter with internal and external coupling members for secure coupling between the housing and filter head, allowing for a threadless connection, segmented sections for flexibility, and a secure sealing surface, reducing manufacturing costs and parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used between housing, filter head, and adapter, then secure coupling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection mechanism from the system by introducing a threadless coupling interface. The adapter and filter head are designed with complementary geometric features (such as bayonet-style or snap-fit couplings) that eliminate the need for threads, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure coupling through alternative mechanical engagement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that couples the housing to the filter head without requiring threaded connections. By introducing this intermediate element with a threadless coupling mechanism, the patent resolves the contradiction between secure coupling and manufacturing simplicity, as the adapter mediates the connection between housing and filter head using simplified geometry rather than complex threading.
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but adaptability in shell diameters and wall thickness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The threadless coupling mechanism designed in the patent creates a universal interface that can accommodate various shell diameters and wall thicknesses. The coupling geometry is designed to be size-independent, allowing the same adapter design to work with different housing dimensions, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining secure coupling through the standardized threadless interface.
3Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but torsional twist occurs during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the threading operation that causes torsional twist during assembly. By replacing threaded connections with a threadless coupling mechanism (such as a push-fit, snap-fit, or bayonet coupling), the assembly process no longer requires rotational forcing, thereby removing the source of torsional twist and making assembly easier and more straightforward.
4Reliability
If direct threaded connections are used between housing and filter head, then secure coupling is achieved, but filter type and size are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The threadless coupling interface creates a universal mounting system that can accommodate different filter types and sizes. The standardized coupling geometry allows various filter elements to be mounted on the same housing without requiring custom-threaded connections for each filter type, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining secure coupling through the universal threadless interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly comprising a housing defining an internal volume. The housing comprises a first coupling member formed in a housing first end of the housing. The housing first end is threadless. The filter assembly further comprises a filter head. The filter head comprises a first thread formed on a surface thereof. The filter assembly further comprises an adapter. The adapter comprises a second coupling member formed on an adapter first end of the adapter. The second coupling member engages the first coupling member formed in the housing first end so as to removably couple the adapter and the housing. A second thread is formed on the adapter first end. The second thread engages the first thread formed in the filter head so as to removably couple the adapter and the filter head.