Pivotable Filter Clip Mechanism for Secure HVAC Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter retention systems in HVAC applications are cumbersome and prone to misapplication or malfunction, requiring multiple clips for filters and pre-filters, which complicates secure retention, inspection, and replacement, especially in confined spaces, leading to potential filtration inefficiencies and increased downtime.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable filter retaining mechanism with a shank and pivotable filter/pre-filter clip that allows manual adjustment between retention and release positions, eliminating the need for specialized tools, enabling secure retention and efficient replacement of filters and pre-filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate clips are used for filters and pre-filters, then secure retention is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retentionVSAvoidmechanically complicated retention system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate clips (filter clip and pre-filter clip) into a single integrated clip assembly. This clip assembly includes a body with a filter clip portion and a pre-filter clip portion that can independently engage and retain both the final filter and pre-filter to the filter rack, eliminating the need for multiple separate clips while maintaining secure retention of both filter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate clips are used for filters and pre-filters, then secure retention is achieved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retentionVSAvoiddifficult and cumbersome to retain securely and to insert, remove, and replace

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate clips (filter clip and pre-filter clip) into a single integrated clip assembly. This clip assembly includes a body with a filter clip portion and a pre-filter clip portion that can independently engage and retain both the final filter and pre-filter to the filter rack, eliminating the need for multiple separate clips while maintaining secure retention of both filter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple clips are used for filters and pre-filters, then retention security is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidincreased downtime for filter replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate clips (filter clip and pre-filter clip) into a single integrated clip assembly. This clip assembly includes a body with a filter clip portion and a pre-filter clip portion that can independently engage and retain both the final filter and pre-filter to the filter rack, eliminating the need for multiple separate clips while maintaining secure retention of both filter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates regular inspection, removal, and replacement of filters, reducing system downtime and labor costs while enhancing filtration efficiency by providing a secure and accessible mechanism for filter assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient clip can be flexed against the filter assembly and released to engage the filter assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The spring clips are designed to tension the filter against the sealing flange of the holding frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10434449B1Filter retaining mechanism with filter/pre-filter clip

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 COUPAL ALAN

AI summary

A filter retaining mechanism for retaining a filter and a pre-filter in relation to a filter aperture of a filter frame. A base clip retained by a proximal portion of a shank engages a flange of the frame, and a filter/pre-filter clip is retained by a distal portion of the shank. The filter/pre-filter clip has a proximal retaining formation that forms a distal retaining surface of a first reception area for retaining a filter and a proximal retaining surface of a second reception area for retaining a pre-filter and a distal retaining formation that forms a distal retaining surface of the second reception area. The filter/pre-filter clip is pivotable about a longitudinal axis between a first condition wherein the proximal and distal retaining formations retain the filter and the pre-filter and a second condition wherein the proximal and distal retaining formations face away from the filter aperture to release the filter and the pre-filter.