Pleated Air Filter Uniform Expansion Using Elastic Pleat Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable furnace air filters do not expand uniformly, leading to decreased performance in air flow and filtration efficiency due to non-uniform pleat expansion and collapse.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastic elements such as threads, filaments, or netting connected to pleat tips allows for uniform expansion and contraction of pleated filter media, maintaining consistent pleat spacing and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-elastic pleat-supporting materials (metal mesh or plastic netting) are used to connect pleats, then the filter media can be expanded to fit various air duct sizes, but the expansion becomes non-uniform across adjacent pleats and areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the pleat-supporting material from non-elastic to elastic, allowing the material to dynamically adjust its properties during expansion. The elastic material stretches uniformly across all pleats, ensuring consistent expansion ratios and maintaining uniform pleat spacing throughout the filter media assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the pleat-supporting material by using elastic elements that can adapt their length and tension during expansion and contraction. This dynamic property allows the material to respond uniformly to expansion forces across all pleats, preventing the non-uniform expansion that occurs with static, non-elastic materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-elastic pleat-supporting materials are used to connect pleats, then the filter media can be expanded, but the filter media flattens when collapsed resulting in decreased performance
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic pleat-supporting material provides dynamic support that maintains the three-dimensional pleat structure during both expansion and collapse. When the filter media is collapsed, the elastic material's recovery force prevents the pleats from flattening completely, preserving the structural integrity and filtration performance for the next expansion cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material acts as a cushioning element that stores mechanical energy during expansion and releases it during collapse. This energy storage and release mechanism prevents the pleats from collapsing flat by providing a restoring force that maintains the pleat structure, thereby preserving filtration performance throughout the expansion-collapse cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-elastic pleat-supporting materials are used, then the filter media can be expanded to fit various sizes, but air flow decreases and air pressure increases due to non-uniform expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the elastic properties of the pleat-supporting material, which fundamentally alters how the filter media expands. The elastic material ensures uniform distribution of expansion forces across all pleats, maintaining consistent pleat spacing and optimal air flow channels throughout the filter media, thereby preventing the air flow decrease and pressure increase associated with non-uniform expansion.
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
This solution ensures uniform expansion and contraction of air filters, enhancing air flow and filtration efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and versatility for various window sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable element connecting at least some of the plurality of pleats; wherein the filter media assembly expands from the collapsed state to the expanded state substantially uniformly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to air filters. More particularly, it relates to air filters including pleated filter media that can be uniformly expanded and contracted. In some embodiments, the air filters are adjustably sized air filter systems. In some embodiments, the air filters can be used in a window opening.