Foldable Filter Frame With Hinge Joints for Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available air filters for heating and air conditioning systems have rigid frames that make it difficult to remove and dispose of dirty filters without spilling debris, as the dirt and debris can fall off when the filter is taken out for replacement or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A foldable filter frame design with hinge joints and elastic or adhesive locking mechanisms that allow the filter to be easily folded and secured in a planar position for insertion into a trash container, reducing mess and spillage during disposal, and includes features like handles for easy removal from air ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rectangular frame is used to provide mechanical strength and facilitate insertion into air ducts, then the filter frame maintains structural integrity during installation, but the frame becomes difficult to dispose of without spilling debris when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a rigid rectangular structure during installation to a flexible foldable structure during disposal. Hinge joints are introduced at specific locations (e.g., center of long sides) that allow the frame to bend and fold along predetermined lines, enabling the frame to be collapsed into a compact form for disposal without compromising its structural integrity when in its rigid rectangular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple segments or sections connected by hinge joints. These segments can be folded relative to each other along predetermined fold lines, transforming the frame from a rigid rectangular shape into a compact folded configuration. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain strength when needed while enabling easy disposal when dirty.
2Ease of operation
If the frame is made rigid for easy insertion into air ducts, then installation is simplified, but removal and disposal becomes messy due to falling debris
Solution Approach 1:
The frame maintains a rigid rectangular configuration during insertion and operation to facilitate easy installation into air ducts. When removal and disposal are needed, the frame can be dynamically transformed by folding at the hinge joints, containing any debris within the folded structure and preventing spillage during transport to disposal location.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joints are pre-positioned at strategic locations (such as the center of long sides) to create predetermined fold lines. This preliminary design ensures that when the frame needs to be disposed of, it can be folded in a controlled manner that prevents debris from falling out, countering the potential harm of debris spillage before it occurs.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable design with hinge joints is implemented to ease disposal, then debris spillage is reduced, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into sections connected by hinge joints at predetermined locations. This segmentation is minimal and strategic, adding only the necessary complexity to enable folding at key positions while maintaining the overall simplicity of the frame structure. The hinge joints are integrated into the frame in a way that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joints are localized to specific positions (such as the center of long sides) rather than being distributed throughout the entire frame. This local quality approach adds complexity only where needed to enable folding, while the rest of the frame maintains its simple rectangular structure, minimizing overall complexity increase.
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 foldable design facilitates cleaner and more efficient disposal of dirty air filters by minimizing debris spillage and simplifying the removal process, maintaining the filter's integrity during use and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing means can include an elastic member that is secured to the clean-side attaching panel, extending across the cut the clean-side attaching panel. The elastic member can include an elastic film elastic fabric, or laminate thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable filter frame including a filter media and a rectangular support frame surrounding and secured to the filter media, having opposed side frame elements having a hingable joint formed near the midpoint that allows the support frame and a dirt-capturing surface of the filter media to fold along lateral line from a planar, extended position to a folded position. The joint includes a fold line in a dirtied-side attaching panel, and a cut formed through a base and a clean-side attaching panel, of the side frame elements, and a means for biasing the joint to the planar, extended position. The biasing means is a strip of elastic member, stapled to an inside surface of the clean-side attaching panel in a relaxed state, across the cut formed through the clean-side attaching panel. The frame can have Velcro-type fasteners in the corners to secure the frame in the folded position.