Collapsible Filter Support Structure for Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible filters require user assembly and may not maintain an expanded position during use, making them less user-friendly and less effective compared to cartridge-style filters.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible filter design featuring a support structure with deployable legs and engagement mechanisms that extend between end caps to maintain the filter in an expanded position, allowing easy expansion and secure attachment to the end caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If collapsible filter uses compact design for storage and shipping, then storage and shipping costs are reduced, but user assembly complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple collapsible legs that can be segmented into compact positions for storage and extended to deployed positions for operation. Each leg can be independently collapsed along its longitudinal axis, allowing the entire support structure to be compacted for storage while maintaining the ability to deploy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static deployed state to a dynamic collapsible state. The legs are designed with movable joints and engagement structures that allow them to dynamically change between extended and collapsed positions, enabling easy storage and deployment without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Device complexity
If collapsible filter is designed without support structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the filter cannot maintain expanded position and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be self-supporting through interlocking engagement structures. The legs engage with each other and with the end caps through standardized connection points, allowing the structure to maintain its expanded position without requiring external support or complex mechanical fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses thin-walled tubular legs that provide sufficient structural support while maintaining flexibility for collapse and deployment. The leg geometry and wall thickness are optimized to provide rigidity when deployed while allowing easy collapse along the longitudinal axis during storage.
3Productivity
If collapsible filter requires assembly before installation, then ease of operation worsens, but manufacturing and shipping efficiency improves
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-assembled and integrated with the filter media and end caps during manufacturing. The legs are positioned and engaged with the end caps in a preliminary configuration that allows the entire filter assembly to be shipped in a compact state while requiring minimal assembly action by the end user before installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible filter having a collapsed position and an expanded position includes a filter media, a pair of end caps that are disposed at opposite ends of the filter media, and a support structure. The support structure extends generally the height of the filter between the end caps, where the support structure includes at least one leg that has a deployed position extending generally the height of the filter between the end caps when the collapsible filter is in the expanded position. The support structure further includes an engagement structure that is located at a first end and a second end of the leg, and is configured to engage the leg with the end caps along their longitudinal length.