Duct-Mounted Deployable Panel Filter for Full-Stream Air Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face inefficiencies in air filtration, particularly with small filtering devices that allow significant portions of the air stream to bypass the filter, and there is a need for improved chemical filtration capabilities within ductwork.
Innovation Solution
An air cleaning device with transformable panels and support members that can be deployed within HVAC ducts, featuring a photocatalytic material and a light source to enhance filtration, providing extensive coverage and chemical neutralization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small filtering device is installed in the ductwork, then the device size is reduced and installation is simplified, but significant portions of the air stream bypass the filter reducing filtration effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to be deployable between a compact retracted configuration for installation and a deployed configuration for operation. The panels extend from the base unit to span the duct width, transforming the device from a small installable unit to a large effective filter that captures the full air stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple panels that can be independently deployed and positioned. These panels are mounted to support members that extend from the base unit, allowing the filter to expand across the duct width while maintaining structural integrity through segmented construction.
2Reliability
If a deployable panel structure is used to increase filter coverage, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are stored in a nested or collapsed configuration within the base unit during installation, similar to a nested doll structure. When deployed, the panels extend outward from the base unit to span the duct width. This nesting principle allows the complex deployed structure to be compactly stored in a simple base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels utilize thin, lightweight filter media that can be easily deployed and positioned. These thin film structures provide effective filtration while minimizing the structural complexity and weight of the overall assembly, allowing for simple support mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photocatalytic material and light source are added to provide chemical filtration, then chemical neutralization capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photocatalytic material is integrated directly into the filter panels, merging the chemical treatment function with the physical filtration structure. The light source is positioned to illuminate the panels from within the duct, combining multiple functions (filtration, chemical neutralization, illumination) into a single integrated system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: physical particulate filtration through the filter media, chemical neutralization of VOCs through the photocatalytic material, and UV disinfection when illuminated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system while providing comprehensive air treatment.
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 device ensures comprehensive air filtration and chemical neutralization by expanding to fit the duct dimensions, offering enhanced particulate and volatile organic compound removal with photocatalytic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of panels and the plurality of flow channels are oriented parallel to a flow through the air cleaning device... the filtering substrate of at least one of the plurality of panels includes a photocatalytic material... comprising a light source connected to the unit base when the air cleaning device is in the deployed configuration, the light source being operably coupled to each of the plurality of flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
An air cleaning device is provided including a unit base, at least one support member coupled to the unit base, and a plurality of panels mounted to the at least one support member. At least one of the plurality of panels includes a filtering substrate. The air cleaning device is transformable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the plurality of panels are separated from one another to define a plurality of flow channels.