Filter Frame Snap-Lock Assembly for Reduced Air Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior filter frames require high rigidity and stiffness of frame beams and media packs due to small contact area, making them difficult to assemble and handle effectively.
Innovation Solution
A filter frame design featuring a front plate with grooves and gable plates with snap-lock elements and protrusions/notches for secure engagement, allowing for a more rigid and user-friendly assembly without adhesives, and enhanced load distribution through abutment and sealing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frame beams have small contact area with media packs, then structural simplicity is maintained, but high rigidity and stiffness are required making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular components (front plate, rear plate, gable plates, frame beams) with standardized connection elements. Media packs are segmented into multiple units that can be independently handled and assembled, reducing the complexity of handling large rigid structures while maintaining overall frame rigidity through the modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between frame beams and media packs, providing a standardized interface that facilitates assembly. These intermediaries (comprising engagement features and retaining members) enable easy connection and disconnection without requiring high manual effort or specialized tools, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If frame beams have small contact area with media packs, then structural simplicity is maintained, but high stiffness of media pack is required
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into multiple supporting elements (front plate, rear plate, gable plates, and frame beams) that collectively provide support across a larger effective area. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while the assembly provides sufficient support, reducing the stiffness requirement for individual media packs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support elements (front plate, rear plate, gable plates, and frame beams) work together to provide combined support for the media packs. This merging of support functions distributes the load across multiple points, reducing the stress concentration and allowing media packs with lower individual stiffness to maintain their position and function effectively.
3Reliability
If retainment members are engaged with complementary retainment members, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainment members utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The resilient tongue can be deflected during assembly to engage with the recess, then returns to its original position to provide secure retention. This parameter change (elastic deformation) enables secure attachment through simple geometric features that are easy to manufacture, without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tongue is implemented as a flexible elastic element that can deform during assembly and then maintain a locked position. This flexible component provides secure attachment through its ability to deform and lock into place, while being simple to manufacture as a single elastic piece that can be integrated into the frame beam or media pack structure.
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
The design provides a more rigid and user-friendly filter frame assembly that reduces handling difficulties and maintains sealing properties, allowing for secure attachment to a filter bank grid without transmitting excessive forces to the front plate, thus minimizing air leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient tongue extending perpendicular or at an angle to a front edge of the gable plate, and having a shoulder; wherein the complementary retainment member comprises a recess; and wherein the shoulder has been received in the recess
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter frame for receiving a media pack, the filter frame comprising a front plate, and first and second gable plates arranged at opposite ends of the front plate. The front plate comprises a groove at each of the ends and a front edge portion of each gable plate is received in a respective one of the grooves. Each gable plate comprises a retainment member arranged at the front edge portion, which retainment member has been engaged with a complementary retainment member of the front plate. The invention also relates to a filter assembly and a method for assembling a filter frame.