Ambient air purification device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambient air purification devices for indoor and outdoor spaces face challenges in achieving a large filter surface area with minimal pressure loss and require frequent filter replacements, especially with HEPA filters having shorter service lives compared to prefilter elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a V-shaped main filter element and a prefilter element, where the main filter element is clamped using a clamping force generated by a device that indirectly seals against the prefilter element, reducing the number of sealing locations and allowing independent exchange of filter elements, thus minimizing leakage risks and part complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large filter surface area is implemented using multiple flat filter bellows arranged in V-configuration, then the separation capacity is improved and pressure loss is minimized, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into a main filter element with multiple V-shaped filter medium bodies and a separate prefilter element. Each element has its own frame device, allowing them to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained independently while collectively providing the required large filtration surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The prefilter element is positioned upstream of the main filter element in the flow path, creating a nested arrangement where the prefilter protects the main filter. This nesting allows both filters to occupy compact space while maintaining their individual functions and separability
2Reliability
If HEPA filters are used to filter finest particles and viruses, then the purification effectiveness is improved, but the service life is reduced and replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
A prefilter element is placed upstream of the HEPA main filter element to perform preliminary filtration of coarse particles. This preliminary action protects the HEPA filter from premature clogging by larger particles, extending its service life while maintaining high purification effectiveness for fine particles and viruses
Solution Approach 2:
The prefilter element serves as a sacrificial, shorter-lived component that captures coarse particles first. It can be replaced more frequently and at lower cost than the HEPA filter, thereby protecting the more expensive and sensitive HEPA filter from rapid degradation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a prefilter is combined with HEPA filter for protection and prolonging service life, then the service life of HEPA filter is extended, but the number of parts and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prefilter element and main filter element are merged into a single integrated filter device assembly with common sealing and mounting structures. They share the same housing interface and sealing arrangement, allowing them to function as a unified protective system while remaining separable for independent maintenance
4Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure tight sealing at all filter element locations, then the reliability of sealing is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single first seal on the prefilter element performs multiple sealing functions: it seals between the prefilter frame and housing, and indirectly seals the main filter element through the clamping force transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of seals required while maintaining comprehensive sealing reliability
5Ease of repair
If filter elements are designed to be exchanged independently, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into independently removable prefilter and main filter elements, each with its own frame device. This segmentation allows selective replacement of either element without removing the other, improving maintenance ease while maintaining sealing integrity through standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The frame devices act as intermediary structures between the filter elements and the housing. They provide standardized mounting surfaces and sealing interfaces that ensure reliable sealing even when elements are independently installed or replaced, mediating between the separability requirement and sealing reliability
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
This configuration enables a larger filter surface area with reduced pressure loss and allows for independent replacement of filter elements, extending the service life of the main filter element while ensuring reliable sealing and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a filter device which comprises a main filter element with a plurality of filter medium bodies arranged in a V-shape relative to each other and a prefilter element, upstream of the main filter element in regard to flow, with at least one filter medium body
Implementation Method 2
the filter receiving region comprises a protruding circumferentially extending contact shoulder for seal-tight contact of a seal of the filter device
Implementation Method 3
in the housing a clamping force generating device is arranged which is configured to exert, in a mounted state, an axially directed clamping force on the frame device of the main filter element
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient air purification device has a filter device arranged in a filter receiving region of its housing. The filter device has a main filter element and a prefilter element, each having a circumferential frame device. A clamping force generating device is provided in the housing to exert an axial clamping force on the frame device of the main filter element resting, when mounted, at the frame device of the prefilter element. The clamping force is transmitted to the frame device of the prefilter element and presses the latter seal-tightly via a seal against a circumferential contact shoulder of the filter receiving region to seal the filter device in the filter receiving region. The frame device of the main filter element is sealed indirectly by the frame device of the prefilter element in relation to the housing and has no seal location of its own in relation to the housing.