Recyclable Air Filter Assembly with Fragrance Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air filters for window units and HVAC systems are not recyclable, leading to environmental concerns and fail to adequately address air quality issues, particularly in heavily polluted areas like China, where they do not effectively filter out pollutants without degrading air flow.

Innovation Solution

A recyclable air filter assembly using 100% recyclable paper pulp filtration material with a reusable frame design that allows two-way air flow and incorporates fragrance retention areas, made from durable materials like metal or plastic, which can be configured in various forms such as accordion or pleated shapes, and is designed to fit between frame sections for easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional air filters with metal wire net and non-woven filtering fibers are used, then filtration capability is provided, but the filters are not recyclable and cause environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the filter from traditional metal wire net and non-woven fibers to 100% recyclable paper pulp material. This parameter change maintains filtration capability while making the filter fully recyclable and environmentally friendly, directly resolving the contradiction between filtration reliability and environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite paper pulp material that combines the filtering properties of traditional filters with the recyclability of paper. The paper pulp is treated to provide both dust and pollen filtration while maintaining 100% recyclability, thus resolving the contradiction between effective filtration and environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If filter materials are made 100% recyclable, then environmental friendliness is improved, but filtration efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidfiltration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by treating the paper pulp material through specific processes to enhance its filtration efficiency. The paper pulp is processed to create appropriate pore structures and fiber arrangements that maintain high filtration efficiency for both dust and pollen while preserving 100% recyclability, thus resolving the contradiction between recyclability and filtration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If filtration efficiency is increased to filter out more pollutants, then air quality is improved, but air flow levels are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidair flow level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different zones within the filter media with varying pore sizes and densities. The paper pulp filter is designed with optimized local structures that provide high filtration efficiency for pollutants while maintaining adequate air flow channels, thus resolving the contradiction between air quality improvement and air flow degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent increases the surface area of the filter by folding the paper pulp material into pleated or accordion configurations. This dimensional change provides more filtration surface area for capturing pollutants while maintaining adequate air flow through the three-dimensional structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between filtration efficiency and air flow level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 increased filtration capability, improved air flow, and odor control while being environmentally friendly, allowing for customization and reuse, effectively addressing the dual issues of recyclability and air quality by filtering out dust, pollen, and other pollutants with high efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The air filter is comprised of recyclable paper pulp filtration material configured for two-way filtration and to filter household dust, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, smog, etc.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one fragrance container, configured to fit in the internal fragrance retention area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

facilitate the fragrance from the fragrance container to be 'pulled' from the fragrance container and carried with the air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9352259B2System, method and devices for air filtration
Publication Date: 2016.05.31 LU JING
  • US9352259B2 patent drawing
  • US9352259B2 patent drawing
  • US9352259B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An air filter assembly is disclosed. The air filter assembly is comprised of a frame consisting of two sections configured for releasable holding of a recyclable filter material. The air filter assembly is further comprised of a fragrance contained in a container configured to passively release the fragrance during air flow. The air filter assembly is further comprised of at least one compartment for securely holding the fragrance container.