Collapsible Filter Frame Housing for Compact PRRSV Air Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural animal confinement facilities face challenges in providing high-efficiency air filtration to prevent the spread of diseases like PRRSV, with existing V-Bank filters being costly, time-consuming to install and maintain, and occupying significant space.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible filter assembly with a rectangular inlet and outlet frame, a collapsible housing body, and a non-V-Bank filter configuration that includes a MERV 15 or higher rated filter media, allowing for easier installation and reduced space usage while maintaining high air flow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If V-Bank filters with MERV 16 media are used to filter PRRSV, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into modular components including a housing, filter media pack, and sealing elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified installation procedures while maintaining the high filtration effectiveness of MERV 16 media against PRRSV.
Solution Approach 2:
A housing structure serves as an intermediary component that pre-assembles and protects the filter media pack, creating a ready-to-install unit. This intermediary housing reduces installation complexity and time while preserving the filtration performance of the media.
2Reliability
If V-Bank filters with MERV 16 media are used to filter PRRSV, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the filter system into standardized modular components enables economies of scale in manufacturing and reduces on-site installation costs. The segmented design allows for efficient production of housing, media packs, and sealing elements that can be assembled with minimal labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention standardizes key parameters such as housing dimensions, media pack sizes, and sealing configurations to optimize manufacturing efficiency. These parameter standardizations reduce production costs and installation expenses while maintaining the MERV 16 filtration effectiveness required for PRRSV control.
3Productivity
If V-Bank filters are used to handle substantial air flow, then air flow capacity is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently by optimizing the housing geometry and media pack configuration. The design maximizes air flow capacity through strategic dimensioning of the housing and arrangement of filter media, achieving high productivity in a reduced footprint compared to traditional V-Bank filters.
4Productivity
If V-Bank filters are used to handle substantial air flow, then air flow capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex requirements for handling substantial air flow are addressed through segmented modular components rather than a single complex V-Bank structure. Each module is relatively simple in design but collectively they achieve the required high air flow capacity while reducing overall system complexity and easing installation.
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 solution provides effective filtration of PRRSV with reduced installation costs and space requirements, enabling efficient air flow and filtration performance comparable to standard V-Bank filters but with a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly that includes a rectangular inlet frame, a rectangular outlet frame, a housing body extending between the inlet frame and the outlet frame, and a filter having filter media installed in the inlet opening in generally sealing relation thereto and projecting from the inlet frame toward the outlet frame
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly including a rectangular inlet frame having a rectangular inlet opening to receive a primary filter and optional a prefilter. The filter assembly may include a rectangular outlet frame and a housing body that is collapsible to have a flattened shipping state and an erect state. The rectangular inlet frame may also be used as a housing by itself to support and house primary filters and prefilters. A gridwork including one or more grid dividers may be used in the rectangular inlet frame to provide 2 or more openings for receipt of filters.