Filter Frame Securing Device for Tool-Free Leak Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter frame systems in ventilation and air conditioning systems face difficulties during acceptance tests due to obstructions caused by traverses, which impede scanner access and complicate tool-free removal and installation of filter elements for leak detection without increasing the effort required for assembly or disassembly.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates devices that can be moved between a removal and fixing position without tools, utilizing handling means such as corrugated surfaces or eccentric levers to facilitate tool-free operation, allowing the filter frame to be shifted into an operating position against the holding frame's contact surface, enabling unobstructed scanning and easy assembly/disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traverse extends over the filter frame to secure it with threaded rods, then the filter frame can be firmly fixed in the holding frame, but the traverse obstructs scanner access during acceptance tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidscanner accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traverse structure that extended over the filter frame and instead uses individual securing devices (clamps or clips) attached directly to the holding frame. This extraction of the obstructing traverse element eliminates the scanning obstacle while maintaining fixing functionality through the distributed securing devices positioned at the periphery of the filter frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If threaded rods and nuts are used to fasten the filter frame, then secure fixation is achieved, but tool-free removal and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidtool-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the threaded rod and nut mechanical fastening system with securing devices that utilize elastic deformation or plastic deformation mechanisms. These devices can be opened and closed by hand without tools, allowing filter frame removal and installation to be performed tool-free while maintaining secure fixation through the deformation-based locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the filter frame is firmly fixed against the contact surface, then sealing and stability are improved, but removal effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs securing devices with dynamic characteristics that allow easy opening and closing actions. The elastic or plastic deformation mechanisms enable the devices to be opened with minimal force for removal and closed firmly for secure fixation and sealing, creating a dynamic system that adapts between easy removal and reliable sealing states without requiring excessive removal effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution simplifies acceptance testing by allowing full-surface scanning of the filter element and reduces installation/disassembly efforts, while ensuring the filter frame can be securely fixed and sealed, enhancing the system's usability in clean rooms and maintaining high air purity standards.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient element 20 which is acted upon in the direction of insertion by a clamping force which is generated by elastic deformation of the resilient element 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The resilient element 20 can, for example, be deformed plastically, so that the securing device 5 remains in the fixing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3020462B1System comprising a filter frame and a supporting frame for the reversible mounting of the filter frame using securing means
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 TROX GMBH
  • EP3020462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3020462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3020462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a filter frame with a filter element arranged therein, a holding frame for reversibly receiving the filter frame, and at least two devices arranged distributed around the circumference of the filter frame that fix the filter frame against the insertion direction relative to the holding frame, wherein the holding frame has a circumferential contact surface, in particular facing inwards, against which the filter frame rests in the inserted state.To specify a system that facilitates subsequent acceptance testing for the purpose of detecting leaks in a filter element already mounted in the holding frame, without increasing the assembly and/or disassembly effort of the filter frame in the holding frame, at least one device should be movable between a removal position and a fixing position, at least without tools, and when the device is moved from the removal position to its fixing position, the filter frame should be increasingly moved by the device into an operating position against the mounting surface, the device being provided with handling means for tool-free operation.