Filter Frame Snap-Lock Assembly for Sealing Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior filter frames require high rigidity and stiffness due to small contact area with media packs, 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 rigid and stable structure without adhesives during assembly, and enhanced load-bearing capacity with a sealing surface for improved sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior art filter frame structure with two frame beams and support structures is used, then the media packs are supported, but high rigidity of frame beams and high stiffness of media pack are required due to small contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular components (front plate, gable plates, retainment members) that can be assembled separately and connected through standardized connection elements, reducing the need for high overall structural rigidity while maintaining local support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The retainment members extend in a third dimension (perpendicular to the frame plane) to create overlapping connections between components, increasing the effective contact area and connection strength without requiring higher material rigidity
2Ease of manufacture
If a prior art filter frame structure is used, then the media packs are supported, but the structure requires high stiffness of the media pack due to small contact area with the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The retainment members are pre-formed as integral parts of the frame components with built-in flexibility features (such as resilient tongues or slot geometries), allowing them to accommodate media pack insertion without requiring the media pack itself to be stiff
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry is designed to transform from a rigid small-area contact to a flexible larger-area contact through the deformable retainment members, changing the mechanical parameters from high-stiffness requirement to low-stiffness accommodation
3Strength
If a filter frame with full front plate and engaged gable plates is used, then a more rigid structure is obtained, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retainment functions (positioning, securing, and aligning) are merged into single integrated retainment members that perform all functions through their geometry, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps despite the increased structural rigidity
4Productivity
If snap-lock elements with resilient tongues are used, then fast and precise assembly is obtained, but the manufacturing complexity of gable plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tongue automatically performs the locking function through its own elasticity when inserted into the recess, without requiring additional fastening operations or complex tooling, enabling fast assembly despite the slightly increased manufacturing complexity of the gable plate
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
Facilitates fast and precise assembly, reduces the need for temporary securing means, and enhances structural rigidity and sealing properties, enabling efficient handling and secure attachment to a filter bank grid without compromising sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the snap-lock element comprises a resilient tongue extending perpendicular or at an angle to a front edge of the gable plate, and having a shoulder
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter frame (102) for receiving a media pack (104), the filter frame (102) comprising a front plate (110), and first and second gable plates (112) arranged at opposite ends (122, 124) of the front plate (110). The front plate (110) comprises a groove (126) at each of the ends (122, 124) and a front edge portion (128) of each gable plate (112) is received in a respective one of the grooves (126). Each gable plate (112) comprises a retainment member (144) arranged at the front edge portion (128), which retainment member (144) has been engaged with a complementary retainment member (146) of the front plate (110). The invention also relates to a filter assembly and a method for assembling a filter frame (102).