Collapsible Air Filter Frame Assembly for Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable air filters require replacement of the entire system when the filter media becomes dirty, leading to waste and inefficient use of space due to their rigid frame size, which does not collapse or extend.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and extendible air filter assembly with a frame that can transition from a flat state to a functional state, allowing the filter media to be reused and the frame to be nested or folded, reducing storage and transportation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire air filter system is replaced when the filter media becomes dirty, then the filter functionality is restored, but material waste increases and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter system is divided into separate components: a reusable frame assembly and a replaceable filter media. This segmentation allows only the contaminated filter media to be discarded while the frame is retained and reused, directly reducing material waste while maintaining filter functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is designed to be recovered and reused after the filter media is replaced. The frame includes reusable components such as end walls, side walls, and closure mechanisms that can be retained and used for multiple filter media, thereby recovering valuable materials and reducing waste.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame is used to support the filter media, then structural stability is maintained, but storage and transportation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly incorporates dynamic elements including foldable side walls and end walls that can transition between extended and collapsed positions. This allows the frame to maintain structural stability when supporting the filter media in use, while reducing to a compact configuration for storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is designed to collapse into a nested or folded configuration where components are stacked or folded together. The end walls and side walls can be folded inward or nested within each other, significantly reducing the volume occupied during storage and transportation while maintaining full structural integrity during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for releasably maintaining an air filter. In some embodiments, the frame assembly includes a thermoformed body integrally forming a base, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and at least one closure sub-assembly. The frame assembly is configured to releasable retain an air filter relative to the base via the closure sub-assembly. In other embodiments, the frame assembly defines, in a flat state, foldable side and end panels at the perimeter edges of a central grid panel; the frame assembly can be transitioned to a final state for receiving an air filter by folding the panels. The frame assemblies of the present disclosure are re-usable, allowing a user to replace a “used” air filter with a “new” air filter.