Axially Displaceable Water Filter Connecting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter systems require significant effort to replace filter cartridges and have expensive, complex housing designs, making them difficult to manufacture and use efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with axially displaceable and rotatable connecting pieces that allow for easy alignment and secure locking of water filters, using a guide link to convert rotational movement into axial displacement, reducing the required rotation to less than 180° and providing a sufficient stroke for easy operation, and incorporating a radial seal for automatic centering and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screw connections are used for water filter cartridges, then the connection is secure, but the replacement requires significant effort and cannot be done in a single step
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static screwed state to a dynamic locking state through rotational movement. The actuating member rotates to convert rotational motion into axial displacement, dynamically locking the filter cartridge in place with a simple turning motion rather than requiring manual screwing
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threading and sealing mechanisms are extracted from the user-operated portion and replaced with a simple actuating member that performs the locking function through rotation. The internal mechanics handle the complex actions while the user only needs to perform a simple rotational motion
2Ease of manufacture
If filter cartridges are equipped with expensive housing and downpipe extensions, then connections are provided on one side, but manufacturing costs increase and design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented from the housing structure. Instead of integrating complex downpipe extensions and one-sided connections into the housing, the connection mechanism is separated into distinct components (actuating member, connecting pieces) that can be manufactured independently and assembled separately
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending connections from one side through the housing, the invention inverts the approach by providing connections on opposite sides of the housing and using an actuating mechanism that moves connecting pieces axially to establish connections, simplifying the housing design
3Ease of operation
If axially displaceable connecting pieces are used with rotational actuation, then filter replacement becomes easier, but the mechanism requires guide slots and conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slot acts as an intermediary element that translates rotational movement into axial displacement. The actuating member rotates within the guide slot, and the guide slot's geometry converts this rotation into the necessary axial motion of the connecting pieces, mediating between the simple user input and the complex mechanical action required
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 easy replacement of water filters without shutting off the water pipe, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the housing design while ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
Implementation Method 1
a groove that is inclined to the actuating element can be used as a guide slot. The rotary movement is converted into axial displacement via a guide slot
Implementation Method 2
The connecting pieces are preferably sealed against the filter connections using a radial seal. In particular, the connecting piece can have an O-ring sitting in a groove of the pipe section as a radial seal. Thanks to a radial seal, a simple piece of pipe is sufficient on the filter side. Furthermore, the radial seal compensates for shape and position tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly for a water filter, comprising two connecting pieces which are located opposite one another on an axis. At least one connecting piece is designed so as to be axially displaceable by an actuation member in order to connect and simultaneously fix the water filter.