Recyclable Filter With Segmented Attachment And Extractable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration devices with internal rigid supports are difficult to remove for recycling or disposal without disturbing the filtered particles, leading to their re-release into the environment due to mechanical agitation.
Innovation Solution
A gas filter design featuring a support structure with a U-shaped, planar configuration inserted into a sleeve made of filtration media, where the support is positioned to extend around a central attachment point, allowing for easy removal without disturbing the media, and the media layers are fastened near the central region to maintain integrity during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the filtration media is stitched or welded at reinforcement points to prevent media separation during use, then the filter rigidity and filtration characteristics are improved, but the ability to remove the support for recycling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means is configured to attach the media layers at discrete locations rather than continuously, creating segmented attachment points that allow the support to be removed by detaching at these specific locations without requiring cutting or removal of stitching throughout the entire filter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be extractable from the filtration media through the defined attachment termination point, allowing the support to be removed for recycling while leaving the media intact and containing the captured particles
2Ease of manufacture
If the support is removed from the used filter by cutting or removing stitching, then the support can be separated from the media, but substantial volume of filtered particles is returned to the environment due to mechanical agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The support is extracted from the media through a specifically designed attachment termination point that allows clean separation without disturbing the bulk of the media and contained particles
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means is pre-configured with a defined termination point that facilitates clean separation, preventing the need for aggressive cutting or removal operations that would agitate the media and release particles
3Ease of operation
If the media layers are attached only at peripheral edges, then the support can be easily inserted and removed, but the media layers move apart or cycle toward and away from each other when air is forced through
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is segmented into discrete locations including peripheral edges and at least one internal attachment location, providing both ease of support insertion/removal and stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the media layers have different attachment characteristics - peripheral edges allow easy support insertion while internal regions provide stability during air flow through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid support is disposed in a filtration media element. A first gas-permeable filtration media layer is disposed in an overlapping orientation with a second gas-permeable filtration media layer. The first and second layers define a void in which the support is disposed. The first layer is attached to the second layer near opposing edges of the first and second layers and at an attachment termination point substantially centrally located on the filtration media element. The filtration media element has a first media end and an opposite, second media end. The support has a first support portion that extends from the first media end toward the attachment termination point. The support has second and third support portions that extend from the first support portion toward the second media end with a gap between the second and third support portions in which the attachment termination point is disposed.