Filter Insert Layout for Uniform Paint Particle Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter modules for air purification in spray booths suffer from uneven particle adhesion due to abrupt airflow redirection, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan, and require time-consuming replacement of individual cleaning elements when disassembled.

Innovation Solution

A filter module design with air-permeable transverse walls and open sections that allow continuous, laminar airflow without baffles, enabling balanced particle adhesion and sequential saturation of all walls, allowing for a single replaceable filter insert with extended service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If baffles with openings are used to create meandering airflow pattern, then particle separation is achieved, but particle adhesion becomes highly uneven and first chamber captures majority of particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of particle adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the baffles (partition walls with openings) from the filter module design. Instead of using baffles to create meandering airflow, the invention uses a single continuous filter medium that extends throughout the module, allowing airflow to pass through uniformly without abrupt redirections that cause uneven particle adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a filter medium with controlled porosity that allows uniform airflow distribution. The filter medium consists of a continuous structure with pores that enable air to pass through while capturing particles uniformly across the entire surface, eliminating the need for baffles with openings that cause localized particle accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If multiple cleaning structures are arranged one behind another within base body, then particle separation is improved, but replacement of individual elements becomes extremely time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation performanceVSAvoidtime for replacing cleaning elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the filter module into a reusable base body and a replaceable filter insert. The filter insert containing the filter medium can be easily removed and replaced as a single unit, while the base body remains in place. This segmentation allows quick maintenance without disassembling the entire module or accessing individual cleaning elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed to be reusable and accommodate the replaceable filter insert. This universal design allows the same base body to work with multiple filter inserts over time, reducing waste and simplifying maintenance. The modular approach enables the system to maintain its particle separation performance while significantly reducing replacement time.

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

3Reliability

If airtight material is used for impact walls, then particles can adhere to surface, but airflow is deflected and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle adhesion capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for airflow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces airtight impact walls with a porous filter medium that allows air to pass through while capturing particles. The filter medium's porous structure enables uniform airflow distribution without abrupt deflections, reducing energy consumption while maintaining particle separation efficiency. Air flows through the pores of the filter medium rather than being redirected around airtight barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

Improves separation efficiency by over 100% and reduces energy consumption by at least 30% compared to prior art, with the ability to operate continuously without redirection and minimize energy requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a filter element (9), in particular a nonwoven fabric, which is at least partially air-permeable, wherein an open section (10) is formed in or next to the filter element (9), so that the airflow (4) from the inlet side (3) towards the outlet side (5) can flow on the one hand through the filter element (9) and on the other hand through the open section (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

enabling balanced particle adhesion and sequential saturation of all walls, allowing for a single replaceable filter insert with extended service life

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentEP4520423B1Filter module
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 KARA JURGEN
  • EP4520423B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~3(b)
  • EP4520423B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5
  • EP4520423B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter module for separating particles from contaminated air, in particular for separating paint particles from an airflow, comprising a receiving element having an inlet side for the entry of an airflow to be cleaned and an outlet side for the exit of the cleaned airflow, wherein the inlet side and the outlet side are arranged opposite each other on the receiving element, at least one filter insert which is received in the receiving element, wherein the filter insert has at least one transverse wall, and the transverse wall is formed from a filter element that is at least partially air-permeable, wherein an open partial area is formed in or next to the filter element, so that the airflow from the inlet side towards the outlet side can flow firstly through the filter element and secondly through the open partial area.