Method and apparatus for providing test ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter designs for clean room environments require multiple filter media and scrim sections, increasing manufacturing costs and assembly labor, while also compromising airflow uniformity and visual appearance due to centerboards.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a test port member that extends between the front and rear faces, integrated within a peripheral frame, allowing for a single filter media with a truncated portion and scrim, reducing material usage and assembly complexity, and maintaining airflow uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centerboard with test ports is used in existing filter designs, then test functionality is provided, but manufacturing cost and assembly labor increase due to requiring multiple filter media and scrim sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test port functionality with the existing filter frame structure by integrating test ports directly into the frame members. This merging eliminates the need for a separate centerboard component and allows a single continuous filter media to serve both filtration and test access functions, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly labor while maintaining test functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the test port functionality from the centerboard and relocates it directly to the frame structure. By taking out the test port function and integrating it into the frame, the design eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (centerboard, multiple scrim sections) while preserving the essential test access capability
2Reliability
If a centerboard with test ports is used in existing filter designs, then test functionality is provided, but airflow uniformity and visual appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test port structure with the frame and filter media assembly, creating a unified design where the test port is an integrated feature rather than a separate component. This integration maintains the smooth continuity of the filter surface, preserving airflow uniformity and visual appearance while providing necessary test access functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus and method having a test port member in combination with a filter media. The test port member may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the outer peripheral frame and may be attached to a truncated portion of the filter media. One or more scrim layers may be disposed across one or more sides of the test port member and/or the truncated portion of the filter media. A plug may be inserted into a through port of the test port member.