Nested Ring Filter Element for Compact Breathing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements for breathing apparatuses, such as protective masks, face challenges in achieving high filtering efficiency while maintaining a compact size and ease of replacement, particularly when incorporating multiple filter components.
Innovation Solution
A pleated filter medium with a noncircular shape, forming a ring with varying curvatures, accommodates a second filter element within its interior volume, allowing for a compact design and efficient air flow, and can be combined with an adsorptive filter medium to meet regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of sequential filter components is increased to improve filtering efficiency, then the filter efficiency is improved, but the thickness and volume of the filter element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a second filter element inside the interior volume of the first filter element's ring structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple filter components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, thereby providing enhanced filtering efficiency without proportionally increasing the overall filter element volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear stacking arrangement of filter components to a three-dimensional configuration where a second filter element is positioned within the interior volume of the first element's ring. This spatial reorganization in another dimension allows for increased filtering capacity without linearly increasing the filter element's external dimensions.
2Reliability
If multiple filter components are stacked to increase filtering capacity, then the filtering capacity is improved, but the filter element becomes more complex and harder to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filtering function into separate modular filter elements (first filter element with particle filter and second filter element with adsorptive filter). Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced. The segmented design allows users to replace only the contaminated filter element without disturbing the other filter components, thereby simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal filter element modules that can be independently installed and removed from the breathing apparatus. Each filter element module is designed with standardized coupling mechanisms that allow them to function as complete, self-contained filtering units, enabling universal replacement without requiring disassembly of the entire multi-component filter system.
3Area of stationary object
If a noncircular ring shape with varying curvatures is used, then the effective filtering surface is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a noncircular ring shape with sections of different curvatures (e.g., oval or stadium-like geometry with straight and curved sections). This asymmetric configuration allows the filter medium to be arranged with higher pleat density in straight sections and lower pleat density in curved sections, thereby maximizing the effective filtering surface area within the available volume while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.
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 solution provides a compact, easily replaceable filter element that enhances filtering efficiency and meets regulatory standards, reducing the overall volume and improving air quality in breathing apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The filter medium is adapted to filter particles from a gaseous medium
Implementation Method 2
a second filter element, e.g. an adsorptive filter, can be placed within the ring of the filter medium
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for a breathing apparatus comprises a pleated filter medium forming a ring having a noncircular shape. The ring encloses an interior volume, and the interior volume of the ring is adapted to accommodate a further filter element. A removable filter device comprises a housing adapted to couple to the breathing apparatus, and the housing includes the filter element and the further filter element arranged in the interior volume of the ring.