Flexible Filter Disposal Containment for Debris-Free Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fume extraction systems face challenges in efficiently cleaning and disposing of filter elements and debris, which complicates maintenance and reduces the system's performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A flexible container is used to enclose used filter elements and debris, allowing for controlled and efficient disposal by sealing the filter element within the container during removal, reducing the spread of debris and simplifying the disposal process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If filter elements are removed for cleaning or replacement, then maintenance can be performed, but debris spreads and creates mess requiring additional cleanup effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter maintenanceVSAvoiddebris spread

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A removable tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter element and the collection chamber. The tray captures debris that falls during filter removal or cleaning operations, preventing it from spreading into the surrounding environment. This mediator allows maintenance activities to proceed while containing the harmful debris within a controlled area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray functions as a flexible containment shell that can be positioned to catch debris during filter maintenance. Its design allows it to adapt to the space available in the collection chamber while providing effective containment of particulate matter generated during filter handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Loss of time

If filter elements are cleaned in place, then disposal time is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness is limited and debris remains in the collection chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter disposal timeVSAvoiddebris accumulation in collection chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed to be easily removable from the collection chamber, allowing it to be taken out for cleaning after filter maintenance operations. This extraction capability enables complete removal of accumulated debris from the collection chamber, resetting the system for the next maintenance cycle without requiring disassembly of the entire extractor unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the collection chamber is made larger to accommodate filter elements and debris, then filter life is extended, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter lifeVSAvoidcollection chamber volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The collection chamber is segmented into functional zones: an upper working space for filter element installation and a lower tray area for debris collection. This segmentation allows the chamber to accommodate both the filter element and accumulated debris without requiring a proportionally larger overall volume, as the tray efficiently consolidates debris in a compact lower section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4529972B1Systems and methods for filter and/or debris disposal for an extraction system filter

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosed filter and/or debris disposal system is configured to easily dispose of filter elements, filter media, and/or debris with minimal resources, and/or effort. In some examples, a flexible container is employed to enclose a used filter element prior to removal of the filter from the extractor.