Modular Rail and Insert Assembly for Secure Air Intake Filter Covering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing filter screens or coverings to air intake structures, such as HVAC equipment, often result in gaps between the edges of the covering and the mounting tracks, lack flexibility in installation, and require complex fastening systems, which can be inefficient and prone to loosening.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongated supports with modified 'U' cross-sectional rails secured via magnets, adhesive tape, or fasteners, combined with inserts and fasteners that include dimpled or crush portions for enhanced engagement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and accommodating various types of coverings or screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening systems are used to secure filter screens to air intake structures, then the covering can be attached to the structure, but gaps exist between the edges of the covering and the mounting tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: track members mounted to the air intake structure, and a filter screen assembly with integrated channel members that engage with the tracks. This segmentation allows the filter screen to be precisely positioned against the tracks, eliminating gaps while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
Channel members act as intermediary elements between the filter screen and the mounting tracks. These channel members engage with the tracks and provide a mechanical interface that ensures the filter screen is held tightly against the tracks, eliminating gaps without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used to secure coverings, then the covering can be firmly attached, but the installation and removal processes become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mounting function (tracks fixed to structure) from the screen support function (channel members engaging tracks), allowing for quick engagement and disengagement without complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel members are designed to be movable relative to the filter screen, allowing them to be easily inserted into and removed from the tracks. This dynamic design enables rapid installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
3Reliability
If fixed mounting systems are used for filter screens, then the screens can be securely mounted, but flexibility in installation and reconfiguration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The modular track and channel member system allows for flexible configuration and easy repositioning while maintaining secure mounting. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted before engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed mounting approach to a dynamic engagement system where channel members can be easily inserted into and removed from tracks, enabling flexible installation and reconfiguration while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
4Productivity
If simple mounting methods are used for coverings, then installation is efficient, but the covering becomes prone to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of tracks and channel members allows for simple, quick engagement while the interlocking geometry of the channel members and tracks provides inherent mechanical stability that prevents loosening during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel members are designed to self-align and self-secure within the tracks through their geometric configuration, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining mounting stability. The system self-regulates to maintain proper engagement.
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 system provides a secure, flexible, and efficient method for attaching filter screens or coverings to air intake structures, ensuring a tight seal and easy installation/removal, while accommodating different types of coverings and openings like windows or garage doors.
Implementation Method 1
secured via magnets, adhesive tape, or fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material including either of a flexible or rigid outer reinforced extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures. A plurality of rails are adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, each of the rails exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot for receiving a plurality of fasteners for securing the edges of the covering. An insert secures together the elongated channels in perimeter defined fashion over the intake opening. The inserts each have compression fitting sides adapted to inter-engage within the interior channels of the rails. The compression fitting sides can also include any collection of ramps, dimples, protuberances or crush portions to facilitate frictional fitting of the inserts within the channel interior following an initial disassembly of an associated kit from the intake surface, additional and replacement inserts are provided for subsequent reassembly.