Multi-ply filter screen assembly for use with an air intake opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for air intake openings are difficult to clean without removal from equipment and do not allow for easy adjustment of airflow based on static pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ply filter assembly with a base mesh ply secured to the intake face and an outer ply that can be easily accessed and detached without removing the base ply, using various fastening methods such as grommets, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for varying airflow by removing or adding plies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional filter system is used, then filtration function is provided, but cleaning difficulty increases and airflow adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple detachable plies (outer ply, base ply, and intermediate plies) that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the outer ply to be easily detached for cleaning while leaving the base ply installed in the air handling unit, significantly improving cleaning ease without requiring complete filter removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter plies are designed with dynamic attachment mechanisms (snap-fit edges, grommets with fasteners, zippers, or hook-and-loop fasteners) that allow easy attachment and detachment. This dynamic design enables users to access and clean the outer ply without permanent fixation, transforming a static filter into a maintainable component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed filter structure is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but airflow adjustment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple plies that can be individually removed or retained. Users can detach the outer ply to increase airflow during high static pressure conditions, or retain all plies for maximum filtration during normal operation. This segmentation provides airflow adjustment flexibility while maintaining structural integrity when plies are attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides filtration when all plies are attached, allows airflow adjustment by removing outer plies, and maintains structural integrity through the base ply remaining in the unit. The design accommodates different operational requirements (filtration mode vs. airflow mode) within a single universal structure.
3Reliability
If multiple filter plies are combined, then filtration performance is improved, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-ply filter structure is designed with segmented attachment points allowing the outer ply to be detached independently from the base ply. This segmentation enables users to access and clean only the outer ply without removing the entire filter assembly or handling the base ply, simplifying the cleaning process despite having multiple filtration layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ply is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the filter assembly for cleaning. This extraction capability allows users to remove and clean the most contaminated portion (outer ply) separately from the base ply that remains installed in the air handling unit, reducing cleaning complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for securing to an intake face of an air handling unit including a base mesh ply adapted to being secured to the intake face in order to cover an opening of the air handling unit. An outer mesh ply is attached to the base mesh ply, with the outer ply being manipulated to permit access to the base ply without removal of the base ply from the air handling unit. A tertiary ply can be removably inserted between the base mesh ply and outer ply.