Curved Comb Support for Pleated Aircraft Filter Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft inlet barrier filter systems face challenges in efficiently filtering air while maintaining aerodynamic performance and structural integrity, particularly in supporting filter media under air pressure without compromising airflow.

Innovation Solution

A curved frame inlet barrier filter system with a comb having spaced-apart teeth that supports pleated filter media, where the comb is designed to conform to the filter element's curved face, ensuring minimal contact and facilitating assembly, and is reinforced with struts to maintain structural integrity and airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a filter element with pleated filter media is used to increase filtering surface area, then air filtering capability is improved, but the filter media becomes vulnerable to collapse under air pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering surface areaVSAvoidstructural integrity of filter media

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A comb structure with multiple spaced-apart teeth is introduced as an intermediary support element between the pleated filter media and the airflow. The teeth extend into the pleats without necessarily contacting them, providing structural reinforcement that prevents collapse under air pressure while maintaining the high surface area of the pleated configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a comb structure is added to support the filter media, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for filter mediaVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comb structure is integrated with the filter element assembly, where the comb and filter media work together as a unified filtering system. The comb is positioned within the filter element housing, and its teeth are arranged to work in conjunction with the pleats, merging the support function with the existing filter structure rather than adding completely separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the comb teeth contact the pleats for support, then filter media stability is improved, but airflow restriction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter media stabilityVSAvoidairflow restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The comb teeth extend into the pleats but do not necessarily contact them, providing partial support rather than complete contact. This partial action is sufficient to prevent filter media collapse under normal operating conditions while leaving adequate space for airflow to pass through without significant restriction. The spaced-apart arrangement of teeth provides just enough support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a curved frame is used to conform to the aircraft inlet, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic disruptionVSAvoidframe fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with a curved configuration that conforms to the contours of the aircraft inlet barrier filter assembly. This curvature allows the filter system to integrate smoothly with the aerodynamic surfaces of the aircraft, reducing disruption to airflow. The curved frame members are shaped to match the required contour while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively filters air prior to engine intake, supports filter media against air pressure, and minimizes aerodynamic disruption, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the filter system.

Implementation Method 1

filter system comprises a curved frame including at least two curved frame members defining an opening. A filter element has a curved inward face and is received in the opening of the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

filter element includes filter media having pleats

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8163050B2Comb for inlet barrier filter system

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 DONALDSON CO INC

AI summary

An inlet barrier filter system for mounting on an aircraft to filter air prior to intake into an engine of the aircraft includes a frame having at least two curved frame members defining an opening. A filter element has a curved inward face and is received in the opening of the frame. The filter element includes filter media having pleats. A comb is attached to the frame and includes spaced-apart teeth that support the pleats. The comb is curved to generally conform to the curved inward face of the filter.