Collapsible Filter Frame With Elastic Biasing For Reduced Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media filters, particularly pleated designs, face challenges in reducing shipping and storage costs due to increased bulk volume, which complicates installation and increases distribution expenses, and often require time-consuming assembly processes for collapsible frames.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible filter assembly with hingedly connected panel sections and elastic members that allow the filter frame to expand automatically, reducing assembly time and storage volume, while maintaining efficient filtration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pleated filter media is used to increase surface area for better particulate trapping, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the depth and bulk volume of the filter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter frame is divided into multiple collapsible panel sections that can be folded together. When collapsed, the panels stack compactly, reducing the bulk volume from several inches to less than one inch, while the filter media itself is segmented into multiple pleated layers that maintain high filtration efficiency within the compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible panel sections are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. The frame panels fold inward and stack compactly, allowing the filter media to be contained within a minimal volume while preserving the full surface area of the pleated filtration layers.
2Volume of stationary object
If collapsible frame members are used to reduce bulk filter volume, then shipping and storage costs are reduced, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame panels are designed with dynamic hinge connections that allow easy folding and collapsing. The hinges enable the panels to pivot smoothly between extended and collapsed positions, transforming a potentially complex assembly structure into a simple, one-motion collapse mechanism that reduces volume without increasing assembly difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are pre-installed on the frame panels during manufacturing, creating a self-contained unit that requires no additional assembly steps for the user. The elastic members are permanently attached to provide automatic tensioning, eliminating the need for users to assemble or adjust these components, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the collapsible volume-reduction feature.
3Volume of stationary object
If collapsible frame members are used to reduce bulk filter volume, then shipping and storage costs are reduced, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are pre-installed and pre-tensioned during the manufacturing process, and the hinge connections are pre-configured for easy engagement. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the filter reaches the user, the collapsible mechanism requires minimal action to activate, reducing assembly time from multiple steps to a single collapsing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections are designed to enable rapid, one-motion collapsing of the frame panels. The dynamic design allows the panels to fold smoothly and quickly into the compact nested configuration, minimizing the time required to reduce the filter from its extended to its collapsed state without requiring complex manual manipulation.
4Extent of automation
If elastic members are added to bias frame members into expanded position, then automatic expansion is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members utilize the physical parameter of elastic tension to provide automatic biasing force. By selecting appropriate elastic member properties (material, dimensions, pre-tension), the frame is automatically biased into its expanded position without requiring additional mechanical complexity. The elastic force naturally counteracts the collapsed state, creating automatic expansion through material property selection rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are permanently attached to the frame panels during manufacturing, creating a self-contained system that automatically maintains the expanded position. The elastic members serve themselves by continuously exerting tension force without requiring external control or adjustment, and they require no user intervention to function, thus achieving automatic expansion while minimizing added complexity through integrated, permanent attachment.
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
The collapsible filter assembly reduces installation time and storage volume, lowering costs associated with packaging and distribution while maintaining effective air filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member can be coupled between opposing sets of frame members located on either side of the filter media in order to self-bias the filter frame into an expanded position
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible filter assemblies for use with pleated or other filter media are disclosed. A collapsible filter assembly can include at least one filter element including a filter media supported within a collapsible filter frame. The filter frame can include a number of frame members each including a number of frame panel sections hingedly connected to each other. Each frame member can be configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the sides of the filter media to permit the filter frame to be actuated between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A number of elastic members can be coupled to opposing sets of frame members in order to bias the filter frame in the expanded position, causing the filter assembly to self-expand when removed from its packaging. During installation, such auto-expanding feature reduces the amount of time required for the installer to place the filter assembly into service.