Collapsible HVAC Air Filter Frame With Rebounding Rounded Pleats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air filters are not collapsible, leading to damage and reduced performance when attempted to be folded or compressed, which affects their seal and airflow characteristics, making them unsuitable for storage and reuse in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible air filter assembly with a frame featuring spring elements that can move between open and bent states, combined with a filter medium having rounded pleats that can collapse and rebound in a controlled manner, allowing for easy storage and deployment without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional air filters are folded or compressed for storage, then storage space is reduced, but the filter structure is damaged and performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates spring elements that enable the filter to dynamically transition between expanded and collapsed states. The spring elements allow the frame to flex and return to its original shape, providing the necessary dynamics for collapsible storage while maintaining structural integrity and filter performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses flexible spring elements instead of rigid structures. These flexible components allow the filter to be compressed for storage and then rebound to its original shape, eliminating the damage associated with traditional rigid frame compression while enabling compact storage.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional air filters with V-shaped pleats are compressed, then compactness is improved, but the pleats are permanently deformed and airflow characteristics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements provide dynamic flexibility that allows the pleats to compress and rebound without permanent deformation. The elastic properties of the spring elements enable the pleats to return to their original V-shaped configuration after compression, maintaining airflow characteristics while achieving compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements change the mechanical parameters of the frame, transitioning from a rigid structure to one with elastic properties. This parameter change allows the pleats to undergo temporary shape changes during compression and storage, then return to their original shape, preventing permanent deformation.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional air filters are collapsed for shipping, then shipping space is reduced, but the seal between filter and HVAC system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements enable the frame to dynamically adapt between collapsed and expanded states. When expanded for installation, the spring elements ensure the frame returns to its precise original shape, guaranteeing proper seal contact with the HVAC system while allowing compact shipping in the collapsed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-configured to provide the necessary force for the frame to return to its original shape after compression. This preliminary elastic energy storage ensures that when the filter is removed from shipping packaging, it automatically rebounds to the correct shape for proper sealing, eliminating the need for manual reshaping.
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
Enables the air filter to be stored compactly without damage and quickly return to its original shape for installation, maintaining performance and airflow characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring element is configured to be moveable between an open state and a bent state
Implementation Method 2
The frame includes at least two edges, each edge including a respective spring element
Implementation Method 3
The filter medium has rounded pleats and is configured to collapse and rebound in a controlled and repeatable manner between a compressed state and an original uncompressed state
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible air filter assembly for a heating and ventilation air conditioner (HVAC) system includes a filter element, and a frame supporting the filter element. The frame includes at least two edges each including a respective spring element configured to be moveable between an open state and a bent state. A compressible air filter assembly for an (HVAC) system includes a filter medium having rounded pleats configured to collapse and rebound in a controlled and repeatable manner between a compressed state and an original uncompressed state. A soft-wrapped filter assembly includes a frame in a box configuration. The frame includes rigid edges and openings to permit airflow. A filter element is encased by the frame. Flexible edge covers mounted on respective edges of the frame to provide an air seal in an HVAC system.