Filter Extender for Air Filter Mounting in Limited Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In air filtration systems, the limited space behind the holding frame often obstructs the extension of v-bank filtration media, requiring special air filter designs that increase manufacturing and stocking costs, as standard filters must be mounted backwards or with additional pre-filters to accommodate the space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A filter extender, comprising quadrilateral tubes formed from assembled panels with offset clips, allows air filters to be securely mounted within the holding frame without protruding from the back, enabling the use of various air filters and accommodating pre-filters without the need for specialized designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard air filters are mounted in holding frames with limited space behind them, then the v-bank filtration media must extend through the back end of the holding frame, but this obstructs the filtration media due to proximity to walls, cooling coils, or duct bends
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is divided into two separate components: a standard air filter and a filter extender. The filter extender acts as an intermediate segment that receives the v-bank filtration media from the air filter and extends it forward, allowing the media to clear obstructions in the holding frame without modifying the original air filter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extender serves as an intermediary component between the air filter and the holding frame. It mediates the spatial conflict by providing an extension structure that allows the filtration media to pass through the holding frame without being obstructed by walls, cooling coils, or duct bends located behind the holding frame.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air filters are mounted backwards or require additional pre-filters to accommodate space constraints, then space obstruction is resolved, but manufacturing and stocking costs increase due to special designs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter extender is designed as a universal component that can be used with various standard air filter types (bag air filters, v-bank air filters, deep pleat air filters). This multi-functionality allows a single extender design to solve the space obstruction problem across different filter applications, eliminating the need for specialized filter designs and reducing manufacturing and stocking costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the air filter to accommodate the holding frame space constraints, the solution inverts the approach by adding an extender component that adapts the holding frame configuration to work with standard filters. This reversal maintains standard filter designs while solving the spatial conflict.
3Length of stationary object
If structures are added to space the front of the air filter away from the front end of the holding frame, then v-bank extension is enabled, but the air filter requires a special design that increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing function is segmented from the air filter and placed in the filter extender component. The extender includes internal spacing structures that position the air filter at the appropriate distance from the holding frame front end, allowing the v-bank to extend sufficiently without requiring the air filter itself to have complex spacing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extender acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary spacing between the air filter and the holding frame. This mediator component contains the spacing geometry rather than requiring the air filter to incorporate complex spacing structures, thereby reducing air filter design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter extender that comprises a quadrilateral tube is provided, along with an air filter configured to mate with the same.