Filter Module Frame Housing Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air filter systems have complex structures that require separate housings for filter elements, making them difficult to configure and dispose of.

Innovation Solution

The device integrates a filter module with a frame that forms part of the housing, allowing the filter element to occupy the free space defined by the frame, eliminating the need for a separate housing and enabling modular configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If filter elements are housed in separate housings, then the filter elements are protected and easily replaceable, but the overall device structure becomes complex and disposal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular configurationVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the housing function directly into the frame structure that holds the filter element. The frame is designed to both support the filter element and serve as the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate housing components. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining modular replaceability of the filter module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the filter element, serves as the housing structure, and enables modular assembly and disassembly. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the benefits of modular configuration for ease of manufacture and replacement.

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

2Reliability

If filter elements are housed in separate housings, then the filter elements are protected, but disposal of the entire housing becomes difficult and wasteful

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter element protectionVSAvoiddisposal of filter module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filter module into a frame and filter element that can be easily separated. The frame is designed with attachment means that allow the filter element to be quickly removed and replaced. This segmentation enables the filter element to be protected during use while allowing easy disposal and replacement of only the filter element rather than the entire housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows the filter element to be easily discarded and replaced while the frame housing remains and can be recovered for continued use. The frame structure is designed to retain its functionality after the filter element is removed, enabling cost-effective disposal of only the consumable filter element while recovering and reusing the durable housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If the filter element occupies the entire free area of the frame, then filtration effectiveness is maximized, but the frame design becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidframe design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with locally optimized features: the attachment means are positioned at specific locations to secure the filter element, while the remaining frame structure is optimized to maximize the free area for filtration. This local quality approach allows the frame to provide necessary structural and attachment functions while maintaining maximum filtration area for high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design simplifies the structure and modularity of air filter systems, facilitating quick configuration and easier disposal of filter modules, while maintaining effective gas filtration.

Implementation Method 1

at least one filter element (10) which is held in a frame (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4163004B1Device for separating a substance from a gas
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 AIGNER GMBH
  • EP4163004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163004B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4163004B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for separating a substance from a gas, comprising a housing (9) and at least one filter module (4, 5), wherein the filter module (4, 5) has at least one filter element (10) which is held in a frame (11), and the frame (11) of the filter module (4, 5) forms part of the housing (9), wherein the filter element (10) is permanently connected to this frame (11).