Ceiling-Mounted Air Filter Housing with Cam Clamping for Cleanrooms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-mounted air filter housings for cleanrooms require substantial manual effort and risk damage during filter replacements, as they often involve loose parts and awkward positioning, leading to increased downtime and potential filter damage.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted air filter housing with a cam mechanism and resilient members that allows for one-handed operation and secure clamping without loose parts, featuring a clamp holder with adjustable axle positions for different filter thicknesses and a resilient member to retain the filter during installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamping mechanisms with loose parts are used, then the filter can be secured to the housing, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring substantial manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into modular components: a cam mechanism with lever and cam surface, resilient members positioned at multiple points, and integrated sealing elements. Each segment performs a specific function (clamping force application, filter retention, sealing) that can be independently optimized and replaced, simplifying the overall replacement process while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic clamping force through its geometric design, where the lever arm length and cam surface angle automatically adjust the clamping pressure based on the filter thickness and position. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment of multiple fasteners while ensuring consistent securement across different filter types
2Productivity
If multiple bolts or nuts are used to secure the filter, then the connection becomes secure, but the replacement time increases and downtime is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are pre-positioned within the housing to engage with the filter frame upon insertion. The cam mechanism is pre-configured with the lever in a released position, so that when the filter is inserted, the sealing surface automatically contacts the cam surface, initiating the clamping action without requiring preliminary alignment or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism automatically generates and applies clamping force through its geometric design when the lever is actuated, eliminating the need for operators to manually tighten multiple bolts or nuts. The resilient members self-adjust to maintain constant contact pressure on the filter frame throughout the clamping process, ensuring securement without additional manual steps
3Reliability
If manual handling in awkward positions is required, then the filter can be installed, but the risk of filter damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members act as intermediaries between the cam mechanism and the filter frame, distributing the clamping force uniformly across multiple contact points on the filter frame. This prevents concentrated stress that could damage the filter while maintaining secure clamping, and allows the filter to be handled in a more upright, less awkward position during installation
4Device complexity
If a flange connection with multiple fasteners is used, then the sealing connection is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the clamping function in the cam mechanism design. The sealing surface is integrated into the cam structure itself, so that the same mechanical action that applies clamping force also ensures sealing contact. This eliminates the need for separate flange connections, gaskets, and multiple fasteners, reducing the total part count while maintaining both sealing integrity and assembly simplicity
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 easier and safer filter replacements by reducing manual effort and risk of damage, ensuring a uniform sealing pressure and reducing downtime, while maintaining a controlled environment during the process.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one clamping device comprises a cam mechanism configured to displace the frame when activating the cam mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a cam lever portion arranged at an end of the axle comprising an eccentric portion and a lever portion movable between an open and a closed position, such that when the lever is moved from the open to the closed position the eccentric portion pushes the clamping portion along the axle towards the sealing surface
Implementation Method 3
wherein the filter housing comprises at least one resilient member arranged below the sealing surface such that when a panel type air filter is inserted into the mouth, the resilient member will be deformed by the filter frame as the filter passes the resilient member, and resume its original shape once the filter has passed
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air filter housing for supplying air to a space, said air filter housing being configured to be arranged in a ceiling of said space, said housing having a mouth facing downward, said mouth comprising a sealing surface configured to receive a panel type air filter comprising a frame and a filter medium held within said frame, such that a sealing connection between said sealing surface and said frame is achieved, wherein said filter housing further comprises at least one clamping device for clamping the frame of the panel type air filter against the sealing surface, characterized in that said at least one clamping device comprises a cam mechanism configured to displace the frame when activating the cam mechanism, thereby providing clamping of said filter frame against the sealing surface. The present invention further relates to the use of a filter housing in a clean room, and to a method of mounting a panel type air filter in an air filter housing.