Filter Fan Grating Hinge Structure for Easier Filter Mat Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air passage devices, such as filter fans, face difficulties in filter mat replacement due to fixed ventilation grating positions and complex articulated connections, making it challenging to access and replace the filter mat, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

Innovation Solution

The air passage device employs joint pins with guide structures that allow the ventilation grating to transition between closure, folded-out catch, and removal positions, enabling easy access and replacement of the filter mat, with features like beveled joint pins and a blocking cam for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ventilation grating is fixed on the main housing, then the device structure is simple, but the filter mat accessibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter mat accessibilityVSAvoidarticulated connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grating is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with multiple positions (closure, folded-out catch, and removal positions) through the articulated connection with joint pins, enabling the filter mat to be accessible at different stages without requiring complete disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated connection is segmented into multiple functional components (joint pins, guide structures, blocking cam) that work together to provide controlled movement between positions, allowing the ventilation grating to be divided into operational stages rather than requiring complete removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate articulated connection elements are used, then the ventilation grating can pivot, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation grating movement flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of connection elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint pins are integrated directly into the ventilation grating structure rather than being separate components, combining the connection function with the grating itself and reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining pivot functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint pins serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as hinges for pivoting, guides for controlled movement through guide structures, and engagement points for the blocking cam to prevent accidental disengagement, eliminating the need for separate articulated connection elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8152885B2Air passage device having improved accessibility of the filter mat

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 PFANNENBERG GMBH

AI summary

An air passage device, in particular a filter fan or outlet filter for installation in a mounting opening in a wall or in a housing of a switch cabinet, which is essentially formed by a ventilation grating and a main housing, and a filter mat is insertable between the ventilation grating and the main housing, the ventilation grating being situated on the main housing using an articulated connection, the ventilation grating having joint pins to form the articulated connection, which may each be guided in joint pin guide structures introduced into the main housing, the joint pin guide structures each connecting at least one closure position, one folded-out catch position, and one removal position to one another. An air passage device is thus provided which, based on a simple construction, allows high flexibility in regard to the operation of the ventilation grating and the filter mat.