Filters, mounts and methods of mounting filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wool-based grease filters in kitchen ventilation systems are prone to degradation from excessive heat and flames, requiring costly replacement and posing operational challenges due to their complex and heavy metal support frames, which are difficult to maintain and clean.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a reusable external support frame and a disposable grease filter pad made of fibers such as wool, wood-based viscose, or cellulose-based synthetic fibers, which can be easily inserted and cleaned, along with a clip-on bracket system that allows for easy installation and maintenance without welding or structural modifications, providing a tortuous path for exhaust air and protecting baffle filters from fire and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wool-based filters are used for grease filtration, then grease removal effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes susceptible to heat degradation and flame damage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into two distinct components: a reusable metal support frame that provides structural integrity and heat resistance, and a separate disposable wool filter pad that performs grease filtration. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The wool filter pad is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and replaced. When the pad becomes damaged from heat or flame exposure, it is simply discarded and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need to replace the entire expensive metal frame assembly.
2Strength
If separate support frame and frame cover are used for wool filters, then structural support is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support frame and frame cover are merged into a single integrated structural assembly that provides complete support for the filter pad. This unified design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal support frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a heat shield, offers a mounting structure for the filter pad, and serves as a reusable component that eliminates the need for separate frame covers in traditional designs.
3Temperature
If metal support frames are used for wool filters, then heat resistance is improved, but weight and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy heat-resistant metal frame (which remains installed) from the lightweight wool filter pad (which is removed and replaced). This segmentation allows the operator to handle only the lightweight pad during maintenance, significantly reducing operational effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable nature of the filter pad means operators only need to handle the lightweight pad component, not the heavy metal frame. This makes routine maintenance simpler and less physically demanding.
4Weight of moving object
If embedded non-metallic support frame is used inside filter pad, then weight is reduced, but reusability and cost-effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of embedding the support frame inside the filter pad, the invention inverts the relationship by placing the reusable metal frame as the outer structural element and attaching the disposable pad to it. This allows the frame to be reused indefinitely while the pad is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of the consumable filter pad while recovering and reusing the expensive metal support frame. This approach maximizes cost-effectiveness by replacing only the inexpensive pad rather than the entire assembly.
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 solution extends the lifespan of baffle filters by reducing grease particulates in airflow, protecting them from fire, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy replacement and cleaning of the filter pads and brackets, reducing operational costs and labor intensity.
Implementation Method 1
the filter pad comprising fibers configured to absorb grease particulates
Implementation Method 2
a filter may have upper and lower baffle assemblies on one side, a removable perforated insert, a disposable grease filter pad, and a single baffle assembly on the other side, to define a tortuous path for exhaust air flowing there through
Data Source
AI summary
A grease filter for installation within an aperture of an exhaust hood overlying kitchen equipment where heat or flame may occur, the grease filter comprising an external frame assembly, a UL 1046 listed grease filter, and a removable perforated insert. The external frame assembly defines a pathway for airflow therethrough and partially defines a first chamber of the grease filter and a second chamber of the grease filter. The UL 1046 listed grease filter being disposed within the first chamber of the grease filter and being secured within the external frame assembly. The removable perforated insert being disposed within the second chamber of the grease filter and wherein the external frame assembly is configured to allow the removable perforated insert to be removably installed within the second chamber in a spaced relation from the UL 1046 listed grease filter.