Wedge-Shaped Filter Element Anti-Twist Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Symmetrically structured filter elements risk incorrect insertion into filter housings due to lack of mechanical guidance, leading to potential misalignment and improper positioning.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an anti-twist mechanism with asymmetrically configured recesses on the holding frame, which ensures the filter element can only be inserted into a filter housing in one correct position, utilizing engagement elements that interact with the recesses for secure latching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the filter element is structured symmetrically, then the manufacturing is simplified and cost is reduced, but the risk of incorrect insertion into the filter housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinsertion correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by introducing an anti-twist mechanism with asymmetrically configured recesses on the holding frame. These recesses engage with corresponding engagement elements in the filter housing, creating a unique insertion orientation that prevents incorrect insertion while maintaining the overall symmetrical structure of the filter element for simplified manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If mechanical means are added to ensure correct positioning, then insertion correctness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning correctnessVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anti-twist mechanism directly into the holding frame structure. The asymmetric recesses are integrated as part of the holding frame itself, and the engagement elements are formed as integral parts of the holding frame, eliminating the need for separate mechanical positioning components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding complex mechanical guidance features to guide insertion, the patent inverts the approach by providing simple asymmetric recesses that passively prevent incorrect insertion through their geometric configuration, allowing the filter element to be inserted only in the correct orientation without active guidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8858668B2Wedge-shaped filter element with two leaf filters

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

AI summary

A filter element includes a holding frame with an intake opening, an air intake disposed on the intake opening, and an anti-twist mechanism configured such that the filter element is only insertable into a filter housing in one position. The anti-twist mechanism includes a body with two asymmetrically configured recesses extending along a longitudinal axis of the holding frame. The filter element also includes two bellows disposed on the holding frame, the bellows and holding frame delimiting a cavity.