Vacuum Filter Assembly With Snap-Fit Cap for Fast Replacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner filter systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to replace, often requiring separate retaining mechanisms that can be lost or misplaced, and may result in filter dislodgment during use, leading to leakage and damage.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly with a cap and annular end ring made of flexible material, featuring a centrally located opening that expands to fit over the mounting post and contracts to secure the filter in place, eliminating the need for separate retaining mechanisms and ensuring a secure seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a threaded stud and nut combination is used to attach the filter to the mounting assembly, then the filter can be securely retained in axial compression, but the filter replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter retention securityVSAvoidfilter replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex threaded stud and nut combination from the filter attachment system. Instead, it uses a simple snap-fit mechanism where the filter assembly with its flexible cap engages directly with the mounting post, eliminating the need for separate retaining nuts and significantly reducing assembly complexity and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical threading system with a flexible material-based retention system. The flexible cap material deforms during installation and maintains continuous contact with the mounting post through elastic recovery, substituting complex mechanical fastening with simpler elastic retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a separate filter retaining mechanism is used, then the filter can be secured during operation, but the mechanism can be lost or misplaced during filter replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter security during operationVSAvoidfilter replacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the retention function directly into the filter assembly itself through the flexible cap material. The retention feature is no longer a separate component that can be lost, but is instead an inherent property of the filter assembly's cap, which maintains continuous elastic contact with the mounting post

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cap material provides self-retaining functionality through its elastic properties. As the cap deforms during installation and then recovers, it automatically maintains secure contact with the mounting post without requiring separate retaining mechanisms or additional fastening steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If a rigid cage structure is used to support the filter, then the filter can be protected from collapse and user access to the impeller, but the overall system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter support stiffnessVSAvoidcage structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid cage structure with a flexible cap assembly that provides sufficient support through elastic deformation. The flexible material maintains filter shape and provides protection while being simpler in construction, eliminating the need for complex ribbed cage structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the support structure from rigid to flexible. The flexible cap material's elastic modulus and deformation characteristics provide the necessary support and protection functions while reducing structural complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables quick and effective replacement and cleaning of filters, maintains secure attachment during operation, and can be retro-fitted to existing vacuum appliances, reducing the risk of leakage and damage.

Implementation Method 1

the cap and the end ring are comprised of an flexible material... the opening in the cap has an uncompressed diameter smaller than the diameter of a portion of the mounting post, such that, during assembly, the opening expands in diameter to fit over the portion of the mounting post, and thereafter contracts in diameter so as to retain the filter assembly over the filter cage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8206482B2Vacuum appliance filter assemblies and associated vacuum systems

Publication Date: 2012.06.26 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.