Filter-holder case with hinged grid and adjustable fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter-holder cases for electric cabinets face issues with water tightness, air permeability, ease of filter replacement, and compatibility with varying cabinet wall thicknesses, leading to inadequate heat dissipation and increased maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A filter-holder case design featuring a moving grid with a hinged link for easy access and a single adjustable fastening system with jacks for secure installation across a wide range of wall thicknesses, along with an imbricated rear grid to prevent liquid ingress, allowing for efficient air filtration and maintenance without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional filter-holder case with base and cover is used, then water tightness is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of filter replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tightnessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter-holder case is divided into a stationary base and a movable grid that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows the grid to be accessed and removed for filter replacement without disassembling the entire housing, maintaining water tightness through the base's integration while simplifying maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grid is transformed from a fixed component to a movable one, enabled by a hinge mechanism. This dynamic element allows the grid to open for filter access and close for water protection, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sealed integrity and enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a fixed fastening system is used, then installation security is improved, but adaptability to varying wall thicknesses worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation securityVSAvoidadaptability to wall thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system incorporates adjustable elements that can be repositioned along the base structure. This adjustability allows the same fastening mechanism to securely accommodate different wall thicknesses (1-4 mm) while maintaining installation security through controlled positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the filter-holder case to various wall thicknesses, providing structural support, and enabling controlled opening of the grid. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between security and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the grid is made movable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but water tightness may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filter replacementVSAvoidwater tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into a stationary water-tight base and a movable grid portion. This segmentation isolates the water tightness function to the base while allowing the grid to be independently movable for easy filter access, resolving the contradiction between operability and sealed integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary that connects the movable grid to the stationary base. It enables controlled movement of the grid for access while maintaining the structural integrity and water tightness of the base when the grid is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If through-screws are used for fastening, then installation simplicity is improved, but water tightness worsens due to additional drilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidwater tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful effect of through-screws creating water penetration paths is eliminated by extracting this fastening method and replacing it with surface-mounted or embedded fasteners that do not compromise the water tightness of the base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with pre-integrated fastening features that prevent water penetration from the outset, rather than relying on additional sealing measures after through-screw installation. This preliminary design prevents the water tightness issue before it arises.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 improved design ensures effective water-tightness, easy filter replacement, and secure installation on varying wall thicknesses, enhancing air filtration and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining the required IP protection grade.

Implementation Method 1

The cover 103, also characterised by an aesthetic function, is equipped with a front grid 107, typically of the imbricated type, whose purpose is allowing the air passage and limiting water penetration by dripping.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDripping prevention through imbricated structure:

Implementation Method 2

the housing space of the main base 3 is obviously sized so that the filter cloth 7 is included between the rear grid 9 and the moving grid 5, when this latter one is in a closed position, such as for example the one shown in FIG. 2c, in order to filter the cooling air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

A filter-holder case design featuring a moving grid with a hinged link for easy access

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 4

A filter-holder case design featuring a moving grid with a hinged link for easy access and a single adjustable fastening system with jacks for secure installation across a wide range of wall thicknesses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2042010B1Filter-holder case
Publication Date: 2009.09.16 GIANUS
  • EP2042010B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2042010B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2042010B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3

AI summary

A filter-holder case (1) is described, comprising a main base (3) adapted to be fastened inside an opening of a wall, and at least one moving grid (5), such moving grid (5) cooperating with the main base (3) by interposing a hinged link to be taken with respect to the main base (3) between an open position and a closed position.