Air Filter Handle Integrated with Frame for Gloved Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter handle structures are often small, weak, and not user-friendly, making them difficult to grasp and remove, and they cannot be repaired if they break.
Innovation Solution
The air filter element features a pair of large, integral handle structures molded with the outer frame, made of durable materials like glass fiber-reinforced nylon, and designed to be easily grasped by work-gloved hands, with options for pivotable handles and a bail handle configuration for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a small plastic projection is used for grasping the filter, then the filter structure remains compact, but the grasping strength is insufficient and the handle breaks easily
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is merged with the filter frame to form an integrated unit. The handle is molded as one piece with the outer frame, eliminating separate components and improving structural strength while maintaining compactness. This integration ensures the handle cannot break away from the filter assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle and frame are constructed from composite materials, specifically glass fiber-reinforced nylon (such as nylon 66). This composite material provides both the necessary mechanical strength for grasping and structural integrity, while maintaining a compact design without requiring additional reinforcement components.
2Ease of operation
If a small grasping projection is used, then the filter envelope size remains small, but the handle is not user-friendly for work-gloved hands
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure incorporates local quality variations through its geometric design, featuring rounded edges, contoured surfaces, and optimized thickness distribution. These local modifications provide enhanced grip surfaces that are specifically suited for work-gloved hands, while the overall handle dimensions remain compact to preserve the filter envelope size.
3Strength
If the handle is made from thin material, then the filter envelope size is reduced, but the handle cannot withstand end-use environment demands
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is constructed from glass fiber-reinforced nylon composite material, which provides high strength-to-volume ratio. This allows the handle to withstand demanding end-use environments (such as oil field power generation and diesel combustion engines) while maintaining a compact cross-sectional thickness that does not significantly increase the filter envelope volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An air filter has handle structures at the periphery that may either be handles or handle mounts that may support a bail handle. The handle structures may be part of a seal support frame structure such that force is applied during mechanic handling is applied proximate the seal region.