Axially Interlocking Air Filter Elements for Confined-Space Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large air filters required for high airflow necessitate significant space, making them cumbersome to service, especially in confined spaces like aircraft, and existing solutions complicate disassembly due to requiring manipulation in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
An air filter element with axial engagement means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or snap fasteners, allowing easy assembly and disassembly in a single direction without tools, using fabrics with movable supports for optimal alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large filtering surfaces are used to filter large amounts of air, then the filtering capacity is improved, but the filter size increases and becomes cumbersome to manipulate during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple detachable elements that can be inserted and removed separately through a single opening. Each element maintains the required filtering surface area while the segmented structure allows easy manipulation during servicing, resolving the contradiction between large filtering capacity and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple detachable elements are used to improve ease of manipulation, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the disassembly process becomes complex requiring manipulation in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex multi-directional manipulation for disassembly, the engagement means are designed to release automatically or with simple axial motion when subjected to pulling force, inverting the complexity from disassembly to the engagement mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means are designed to automatically engage when elements are inserted and to automatically disengage when subjected to axial pulling force, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation during disassembly and allowing the system to service itself.
3Reliability
If the engagement means are designed to be secure to prevent loss during extraction, then the reliability is improved, but the disassembly requires excessive force or special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are designed with specific mechanical parameters that allow them to withstand axial pulling forces during extraction (maintaining reliability) while releasing when subjected to pulling forces in opposite directions (enabling easy disassembly). The force threshold for engagement release is carefully calibrated to be above normal extraction forces but below forces required for deliberate disassembly.
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
Facilitates easy manipulation and disassembly of air filters in confined spaces by ensuring secure, tool-free engagement and disengagement in a single axial direction, preventing operator injury and reducing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said first engagement means and said second engagement means comprises a fabric presenting a plurality of axially extending hooks and at least the other one of said first engagement means and said second engagement means comprises a fabric presenting a plurality of axially extending loops, said hooks and said loops being arranged to releasably engage with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to an air filter element comprising a tubular main body having a first axial end surface and a second axial end surface; wherein said first end surface comprises a first engagement means and said second end surface comprises a second engagement means; said first engagement means and said second engagement means being configured to enter into releasable engagement such that said first engagement means releasably engages with a second engagement means of a like air filter element in axial alignment with said air filter element and said second engagement means releasably engages with a first engagement means of a like air filter element in axial alignment with said air filter element; whereby said releasable engagement is able to withstand an axial pulling force up to a first level and whereby said releasable engagement is released when subjected to a pulling force above a second level.