Foldable Filter Arrangement with Alternating Connecting Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter arrangements with pleated filter media face challenges in ensuring leakage-free installation and alignment of multiple filter elements within constrained spaces, particularly in air conditioning systems, where correct alignment and tool-free, efficient installation are necessary without compromising filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with at least three pleated filter elements connected by alternatingly arranged connecting tabs of different geometric designs (A and U shapes) that allow for concertina-like folding and defined seating, ensuring easy installation and maintaining filtration efficiency by ensuring all air passes through filtered regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple filter elements are connected by a long flexible tape, then the filter elements can be installed in series, but space is left between the filter elements causing air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible connecting tabs made of thin film material to connect filter elements. These tabs are integral parts of the filter elements themselves rather than separate tapes, eliminating gaps while maintaining flexibility for installation. The thin film structure allows the tabs to bend and conform during installation but provides a rigid seal when installed to prevent air leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connecting tab with the filter element structure itself, making them an integrated unit rather than separate components. This combining eliminates the need for separate tapes and ensures that the connection area is as effective as the rest of the filter medium, preventing leakage at the joints between filter elements.
2Reliability
If filter elements are installed with correct alignment in constrained spaces, then leakage-free operation is achieved, but the installation process becomes effortful and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connecting tab designs where each tab has a specific geometric shape (such as L-shape, T-shape, or other asymmetric configurations) that allows it to be inserted in only one orientation. This asymmetric design provides built-in alignment guidance, enabling installers to correctly position filter elements without requiring precise manual alignment or specialized tools, thus achieving leakage-free operation while keeping installation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting tabs are pre-formed with specific geometric shapes and attachment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the connection geometry allows for tool-free, snap-fit installation where the filter elements self-align and secure themselves in the correct position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
3Reliability
If the connecting tab is short to eliminate space between filter elements, then air leakage is prevented, but the filter elements cannot be properly connected in series
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length conflict by utilizing three-dimensional space and angular orientation. The connecting tabs extend in multiple directions and use vertical or angular positioning rather than only horizontal extension. This allows the tabs to be short in the primary air flow direction while still providing sufficient connection length and surface area through multi-dimensional geometry to ensure airtight seals and proper series connection of filter elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter arrangement for cleaning an air stream having at least three filter elements, wherein each filter element has a bellows made of pleated filter medium, wherein the filter elements are arranged in series and any two adjacent filter elements are connected to one another by means of a connecting tab. According to the invention, a fold run-out of all end folds of all bellows is oriented in a particular direction, the connecting tabs are of two different embodiments and the different embodiments of the connecting tabs are arranged alternatingly when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter arrangement. Not only is a simple installation of the filter elements in a filter holder thus facilitated but also a defined seating of the filter elements in the filter holder is ensured.