Integrated Filter Bank Attenuation Layout for Low Pressure Drop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air handling units face a challenge in achieving a compact filter bank and sound attenuator configuration that minimizes pressure drop, as the existing spacing between filter banks and sound attenuators increases the size of the unit and causes unwanted pressure drops.

Innovation Solution

A compact filter bank and sound attenuator configuration is designed with a housing having a front and back face, where the filter layer is oriented between the faces for air flow and an attenuation layer is positioned within the housing to extend along the air flow direction, reducing pressure drop while maintaining sound attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the filter bank and sound attenuator are spaced apart to allow maintenance access, then maintenance can be performed from within the air handler, but the size of the air handler increases and pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidair handler size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filter bank and sound attenuator into a single integrated assembly where the sound attenuator is positioned directly behind the filter bank with minimal spacing. This merging eliminates the need for large separation distances while maintaining maintenance accessibility, as both components can be serviced together as one unit. The integration reduces the overall volume of the air handler by eliminating the space that would otherwise be required between separate filter and attenuator assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of repair

If the filter bank and sound attenuator are spaced apart to allow maintenance access, then maintenance can be performed from within the air handler, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the filter bank and sound attenuator into a closely integrated assembly, the patent minimizes the air gap between components. This reduces the overall flow path length and eliminates unnecessary space that would contribute to pressure drop. The close integration maintains proper airflow dynamics while enabling maintenance access to the combined unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the filter bank and sound attenuator are positioned closely together, then the size of the air handler is reduced, but maintenance access becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair handler sizeVSAvoidmaintenance access

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by designing the filter bank and sound attenuator as an integrated maintenance unit. The close positioning is achieved while incorporating access features that allow both components to be serviced together. This merging approach reduces air handler size while maintaining ease of repair through unified access mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of stationary object

If the filter bank and sound attenuator are positioned closely together, then the size of the air handler is reduced, but pressure drop decreases (improves)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair handler sizeVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The close positioning of the filter bank and sound attenuator in the integrated assembly reduces the overall air handler volume and minimizes the airflow path length between components. This merging eliminates unnecessary space and reduces the cumulative pressure drop that would occur with larger separations, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for a more compact air handling unit with reduced pressure drop and effective sound attenuation, enhancing the overall efficiency and size optimization of air handling systems.

Implementation Method 1

An attenuation layer is positioned within the housing to attenuate sound as the sound propagates between the front and back faces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

A filter layer is held in the housing. The filter layer is oriented between the front and back faces such that air flows through the filter layer before discharging from the back face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8087492B2Methods and systems for integrating sound attenuation into a filter bank

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 NORTEK AIR SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A filter bank is provided. The filter bank includes a housing having a front face and a back face. Air flows along an air flow path from the front face to the back face. A filter layer is held in the housing. The filter layer is oriented between the front and back faces such that air flows through the filter layer before discharging from the back face. An attenuation layer is positioned within the housing to attenuate sound as the sound propagates between the front and back faces. The attenuation layer is oriented to extend along the air flow direction.