Modular Air-Filtration Assembly for Low-Leakage Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems in HVAC and room air purifiers often require complex assembly processes and hermetic sealing to maintain filtration efficiency, which can be costly and time-consuming, and may not effectively address air quality in recirculation modes.
Innovation Solution
A modular air-filtration kit comprising a base, cover, and side panels, including at least one framed air filter, that can be assembled without adhesive tape, allowing for disconnectable contact and minimal air-leakage pathways, achieving high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) in recirculation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hermetic sealing is used to maintain filtration efficiency, then air leakage is reduced, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtration system is divided into modular components (base, cover, side panels with filters) that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly without requiring complex hermetic sealing mechanisms, while maintaining filtration efficiency through the modular design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels with air filters are designed as replaceable components rather than permanent structures requiring complex sealing. The filters can be easily replaced by removing and reattaching side panels, eliminating the need for complex hermetic sealing while maintaining effective air filtration through repeated use and replacement cycles.
2Reliability
If hermetic sealing is used to maintain filtration efficiency, then air leakage is reduced, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design allows components to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly combined into the complete system. This eliminates time-consuming hermetic sealing operations while maintaining filtration efficiency through the inherent design of the modular connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Components such as side panels with filters are pre-assembled and prepared before final assembly. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly time and eliminates the need for complex hermetic sealing operations during installation, while ensuring filtration efficiency is maintained through pre-validated component designs.
3Reliability
If complex assembly processes with hermetic sealing are used, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is manufactured as separate modular components that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring complex hermetic sealing operations. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process for each component while maintaining overall filtration efficiency through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable side panels with filters are designed for easy manufacturing and replacement. Rather than manufacturing complex hermetically sealed assemblies, the system uses simple, easily manufactured modular components that achieve effective filtration through their design and configuration, significantly improving ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If hermetic sealing is used, then air leakage pathways are blocked, but adaptability for different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows the system to be configured in different arrangements (e.g., different numbers of side panels, various filter positions) while maintaining effective air leakage control through each module's design. This segmentation provides adaptability for different room configurations and air quality requirements without compromising filtration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces that work across different configurations. The same base, cover, and side panel components can be arranged in various configurations to suit different room sizes and air quality needs, providing adaptability while maintaining effective air leakage control through consistent modular design principles.
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 kit enables efficient air filtration with minimal assembly time and disassembly for filter replacement, maintaining effective air quality without hermetic sealing, suitable for rooms and enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of which is a framed air filter
Data Source
AI summary
A kit that includes a base with a floor and four edges; a cover with a ceiling and four edges; and, four side panels, at least one of which is a framed air filter. The kit may be nestable. The kit is assemblable into an upwardly-open, horizontally-closed air-filtration assembly. The floor of the base may include multiple through-cuts and hinged connections that define multiple areas of the floor that are rotatable upward to provide multiple upwardly-protruding tabs; the ceiling of the cover may include multiple through-cuts and hinged connections that define multiple areas of the ceiling that are rotatable downward to provide multiple downwardly-protruding tabs.