Magnetic Track Scan Assembly for Sealed Filter Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handling systems face contamination issues during filter testing and validation, as accessing filters requires opening doors or using probes that can introduce external elements into the air passageway.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a track system with magnetic arrays and actuators to move scan assemblies transversely within the air handling system, allowing for filter testing and monitoring without breaking the air passageway seal, using depending arms with scan probes, injectors, and sensors to introduce or sample materials across the filter without direct mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access doors are opened or probes are inserted to test filters, then filter testing and validation can be performed, but contamination may cross into the air passageway
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the exterior (where actuators are located) and the interior (where scan probes are located). The magnetic arrays transmit force through the housing wall without physical penetration, allowing probe actuation while maintaining the seal barrier against contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connection (physical probes penetrating the housing) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetic arrays coupled with actuators enable remote actuation of scan probes from the exterior, eliminating the need for physical openings in the housing
2Ease of operation
If the air passageway is opened to access filters, then filter maintenance and testing can be performed, but the sealed environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system serves as an intermediary that enables filter access and testing operations from the exterior without compromising the sealed environment. The magnetic arrays transmit actuation forces through the housing wall, allowing operators to control scan probes and perform maintenance while the air passageway remains sealed
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is extracted from the interior sealed environment and placed on the exterior. By locating actuators and magnetic arrays outside the air passageway, the system enables filter testing operations without introducing external elements into the sealed space
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
This approach minimizes contamination and allows for efficient testing and monitoring of air filters within the air handling system, maintaining a sealed environment and reducing the risk of introducing external contaminants during filter testing and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the interior portion may include an interior magnetic array and the exterior portion may include an exterior magnetic array
Implementation Method 2
the exterior portion of the track system further comprises a lead screw driven by the actuator, the lead screw may slide the drive member along the one or more second rails
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for filter testing for use within an air handling system. The air handling system may include one or more scan assemblies. The scan assembly may include a track system using one or more magnetic arrays.