Filter frame assembly for filter media, filtration system, and method of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC system filters become ineffective and blocked by particles and contaminants, leading to increased pressure drop, reduced airflow, and unnecessary wear on fan or blower motors, requiring frequent and inconvenient replacements.
Innovation Solution
A filter frame assembly with a spindle unit that allows for the circulation of filter media, where a fresh filter web is dispensed from one spindle and the contaminated web is collected on another, maintaining low pressure drop and extending filter life to over a year, while being easily removable and replaceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are used in HVAC systems, then filtration is provided, but the filters become blocked by particles and contaminants over time, causing increased pressure drop and reduced airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter web is continuously circulated through the spindle mechanism, which unwinds used filter material and winds fresh filter material, maintaining continuous filtration effectiveness without interruption to the HVAC system operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from static filter replacement to dynamic filter circulation, where the filter web continuously moves through the spindle unit to maintain optimal filtration parameters over extended periods
2Productivity
If filters are replaced frequently to maintain airflow, then system efficiency is maintained, but user convenience decreases due to cumbersome and inconvenient replacement intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle mechanism automatically performs the filter replacement function by circulating the filter web, eliminating the need for manual user intervention at frequent intervals. The system serves itself by continuously renewing the active filtration surface
Solution Approach 2:
Fresh filter material is pre-loaded onto the spindle in advance, so that as the filter web becomes contaminated, fresh material is already available to be circulated into the filtration path, maintaining airflow without user intervention
3Reliability
If conventional filters are used, then initial filtration is provided, but filter life is limited requiring monthly or quarterly replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous circulation of the filter web through the spindle mechanism ensures that fresh filtration surface is constantly presented to the airflow, extending the effective filtration duration from months to potentially years without replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards contaminated portions of the filter web by winding them onto the spindle, and recovers filtration capacity by continuously presenting fresh portions of the filter web to the airflow path
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 solution maintains efficient airflow and extends filter life beyond conventional monthly replacements, reducing wear on HVAC system components and improving user convenience by allowing for long-term filtration without frequent manual changes.
Implementation Method 1
the filter may filter air to remove undesired particles and contaminants (e.g., dust, dander, dirt) from proceeding through ducts
Data Source
AI summary
A filter frame assembly includes a main frame including a first end and a second end, and a spindle unit disposed at the first end. The spindle unit includes a spindle frame, a dispensing spindle non-rotatably coupled to the spindle frame, and a receiving spindle rotatably coupled to the spindle frame. Each of the dispensing spindle and the receiving spindle is configured to receive a filter web thereon in a wound configuration. The main frame is insertable through a filter slot of an HVAC system from the second end, such that the main frame is at least partially received within the HVAC system and the spindle unit is disposed external to the HVAC system. The filter web extends from the dispensing spindle towards the second end of the main frame and extends back to the receiving spindle, while being at least partially received in the main frame.