Cylindrical Fan Filter Assembly with Furlable Media Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan assemblies face challenges with filter replacement, dislodging, and unfiltered air passage, which affect performance and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A furlable filter assembly with engagement elements that securely attach to the fan body, ensuring airflow passes through the filter media, and allows easy removal and storage, reducing material use and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rigid filter assembly with frame is used, then the filter media is supported structurally, but the filter assembly cannot be easily removed and washed, and occupies more space during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a flexible filter media without a rigid frame, allowing it to be separated into smaller, more manageable portions that can be easily removed, washed, and reattached. The filter media is divided into sections that can be independently handled.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible state. The filter media can be deformed, compressed, and manipulated into various shapes for easy storage and removal, while maintaining its filtering function when in use.
2Reliability
If a rigid frame supports the filter media, then the filter media is held in position, but more material is used and the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure is completely extracted and removed from the filter assembly design. Only the essential filtering function is retained through the flexible filter media, which achieves positioning through elasticity and engagement elements rather than a supporting frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media itself acts as a flexible shell that conforms to the housing shape and provides structural integrity through its material properties rather than an external rigid frame. The flexibility allows it to be easily installed and removed while maintaining reliable positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If the filter assembly is made flexible and furlable, then it can be easily stored and transported, but it may become dislodged relative to the fan body
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible filter assembly can be furled, rolled, or folded into a compact nested form for storage and transport. When installed, it expands to its functional shape and is secured to the housing, transitioning from a compressed state to a deployed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible filter media uses its own elasticity and engagement elements to secure itself to the housing without additional fastening mechanisms. The material's inherent properties provide both the flexibility for compact storage and the stability for reliable positioning during use.
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 enhances filter assembly stability, reduces material usage, simplifies replacement, and improves airflow quality while being environmentally sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-driven impeller contained within the fan body and arranged to generate an airflow
Implementation Method 2
one or more flexible filter media... in use, airflow drawn through the air inlet by the motor-driven impeller is drawn through the filter media
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly, including a fan body including first and second retention assemblies and an inlet surface defining an air inlet. A motor-driven impeller contained within the fan body generates an airflow. A filter assembly attached to the fan body includes one or more flexible filter media, a first engagement element positioned at first edge of the filter media, and a second engagement element positioned at a second, opposite edge of the filter media. The filter assembly is furlable, and the first and second engagement elements releasably engage with the respective first and second retention assemblies of the fan body to retain the filter assembly tautly over the inlet surface in an at least partially unfurled state, such that, in use, airflow drawn through the air inlet by the motor-driven impeller is drawn through the filter media. The fan body is cylindrical in shape and the filter assembly wraps around substantially all the fan body.