Filter Track System with Adjustable Tab for Multiple HVAC Filter Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems are limited by structural supports that are specifically designed for particular filter sizes, restricting the use of different filter dimensions and increasing manufacturing and operational costs due to the need for multiple support systems.
Innovation Solution
A filter track system with a base segment and adjustable brackets, featuring a tab that can be configured to accommodate filters of varying thicknesses by rotating or bending, allowing a single system to secure both thicker and thinner filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support structure is specifically manufactured to accommodate a filter of a particular dimension, then the support structure can securely hold that specific filter size, but it cannot be used with different types or sizes of filters
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a movable tab that can be repositioned between multiple positions to adapt to different filter thicknesses. The tab moves from a first position where it engages a first side of a first filter to a second position where it engages a second side of a second filter of different thickness, allowing the same support structure to securely hold filters of varying dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with a single tab that can serve multiple functions by being repositioned to different locations. The tab can engage with different sides of filters depending on the filter thickness, enabling one support structure to universally accommodate multiple filter sizes and types rather than requiring separate support structures for each filter dimension.
2Reliability
If multiple support structures are manufactured to accommodate different filter sizes, then each filter size can be properly supported, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple separate support structures for different filter sizes, the invention uses a single support structure with a repositionable tab that can accommodate multiple filter sizes. This universal design reduces the number of support structures from multiple to one, simplifying the overall system while maintaining proper support for each filter type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into distinct functional elements, including a base structure and a separate movable tab. This segmentation allows the tab to be independently repositioned to different locations on the base structure, enabling the same base structure to support filters of varying thicknesses without requiring multiple complete support structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If a support structure is designed for a specific filter dimension, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the operational flexibility to change filter types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a movable tab that can be repositioned to accommodate different filter types. This dynamic element allows the otherwise simple and easy-to-manufacture support structure to gain operational flexibility, enabling users to change between different filter types by simply moving the tab to the appropriate position rather than requiring a complex multi-configuration design.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter track system of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a filter track having a base segment, a first bracket extending crosswise to the base segment, a second bracket extending crosswise to the base segment, and a tab formed in the base segment. The filter track is configured to capture a first filter via the first bracket and the second bracket in a first configuration of the filter track, and the filter track is configured to capture a second filter via the tab and the first bracket in a second configuration of the filter track.