Filter Frame With Sandwich Holding And Positioning Ridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter frames for dust collecting filters in image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably holding pleated filters at a predetermined position, leading to potential disconnection, deviation, and reduced dust collecting efficiency due to friction engagement and size variations, which complicates maintenance and operativity.
Innovation Solution
A filter frame design featuring a first and second holding portion that sandwich the pleated filter, with complementary ridges and troughs to securely position and maintain the filter, including a hinge for easy assembly and disassembly, and a lock mechanism to ensure reliable holding and efficient exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction engagement is used to hold the pleated filter in the filter frame, then the filter can be easily installed and removed, but the filter may disconnect or deviate from the predetermined position during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter frame is divided into multiple holding portions (first holding portion, second holding portion, third holding portion) that independently engage with different parts of the pleated filter. This segmentation allows the filter to be securely held at multiple points simultaneously, preventing disconnection while maintaining ease of installation through modular engagement structures
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are designed with nested engagement features where the first holding portion engages the front surface, the second holding portion engages the rear surface, and the third holding portion provides additional support. This nested arrangement ensures the filter remains firmly positioned at the predetermined location while allowing simple insertion and removal operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter size varies due to pleating degree, then the filter can accommodate different dust collecting requirements, but the filter position relative to the frame cannot be readily determined
Solution Approach 1:
The filter frame incorporates localized engagement features at specific positions (front surface engagement, rear surface engagement, and side support) that ensure the filter is held at a predetermined position regardless of overall filter size variations. This local quality approach allows the filter to maintain precise positioning while accommodating different pleating degrees and dust collecting requirements
3Device complexity
If the filter is held only by friction engagement, then the filter structure can be simple, but the dust collecting function is lowered due to disconnection or deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is segmented into multiple independent holding portions that engage with different parts of the filter. This segmentation provides reliable dust collecting function through multi-point engagement while keeping each individual holding portion simple in structure, avoiding the need for complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple holding functions (front surface holding, rear surface holding, and side support) are merged into a single integrated filter frame structure. This combination ensures reliable dust collecting function through comprehensive filter engagement while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding multiple separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A filter frame for holding a filter provided with a plurality of folds so as to alternately form ridges and troughs includes: a first frame portion including a first holding portion, having a side corresponding to a first side of the filter, for holding the filter; a positioning portion, provided on the first holding portion, for determining a position of the filter; and a second frame portion including a second holding portion for holding the filter by sandwiching the filter between the first and second holding portions. The second holding portion is provided so as to be capable of opposing the first holding portion via the filter and has a side corresponding to a second side of the filter.