HVAC Return Filter Holder with Compressible Seal to Prevent Air Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face issues with filter bypass, where unfiltered air enters due to loosely secured filters, leading to decreased efficiency and potential health hazards, and existing solutions fail to securely hold filters in place during operation or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A foam rubber or compressible frame with a hook and loop fastener or adhesive is used to securely attach the filter holder to the filter, eliminating gaps and ensuring the filter remains upright and locked, reducing noise and improving filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is loosely secured in the filter housing, then the filter can be easily installed and removed, but air can pass around the edges of the filter causing filter bypass and decreasing filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible filter holder made of foam rubber or compressible material that conforms to the filter and housing surfaces. This flexible holder creates a tight seal around the filter perimeter, preventing air bypass while maintaining ease of filter installation and removal through simple snap-in/snap-out mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder utilizes compressible material that changes its physical state from compressed during installation to expanded during sealing. The material's compressibility allows it to adapt to slight variations in filter and housing dimensions, ensuring a reliable seal without compromising ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the filter holder is made rigid to prevent filter bypass, then filtration efficiency improves, but the filter holder becomes difficult to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a rigid structure, the patent uses a flexible foam rubber or compressible material that is simpler to manufacture. The material can be molded into the required shape and automatically conforms to the filter and housing, eliminating complex assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Its simplicity in design and materials reduces manufacturing costs and complexity while effectively preventing filter bypass.
3Ease of operation
If the filter is not securely held in position, then the filter can be easily accessed for maintenance, but the filter lifts and falls during HVAC operation causing noise and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible filter holder securely grips the filter frame while allowing easy removal when the housing is opened. The material's flexibility provides a secure hold during operation preventing filter movement and noise, but allows simple access for maintenance when the system is shut down.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible material in the filter holder acts as a cushioning mechanism that holds the filter firmly in place before any potential movement occurs. This pre-positioning prevents the filter from lifting or falling during HVAC operation, eliminating noise and safety hazards while maintaining easy accessibility during maintenance.
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 effectively prevents air from bypassing the filter, maintains filter position during HVAC unit operation, reduces noise, and enhances filtration efficiency while being cost-effective and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The foam rubber element may be secured around the perimeter of the filter with a hook and loop type fastener, a removable or repositional adhesive, or any other suitable fastening means to secure the filter holder to the perimeter of the return filter.
Implementation Method 2
The HVAC return filter holder may have a frame which can be installed at the internal periphery of an HVAC filter grill, wherein the frame has a hinge at the outer surface and a groove at the inner surface. The hinge is used to secure the filter holder to the HVAC filter grill.
Implementation Method 3
the groove receives the HVAC return filter to securely hold the filter in position
Implementation Method 4
the filter holder also serves as insulation, and helps seal and improve the integrity of the HVAC system air flow.
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention relates to a unique HVAC air filter holder designed to prevent or reduce air from escaping or otherwise bypassing the HVAC air filter. The HVAC air filter holder comprises a filter securing device, and is a material that is compressible, moldable, expansible or the like such that it can be secured around the perimeter of the air filter.