Retractable Air Return Grille Assembly for Safe Filter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aging homeowners face difficulties and safety risks when replacing air return filters due to their elevated location, leading to costly and hazardous ladder-related injuries, as they struggle to maintain clean and filtered air in their homes.
Innovation Solution
A retractable air return grille assembly that allows for safe and easy access to air filters by transitioning between positions, eliminating the need for ladders, with a retraction mechanism and magnetic attraction ensuring secure filtration and airtight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If return air filters are recessed high up in the ceiling to maintain aesthetic appearance and proper air circulation, then air filtration effectiveness is improved, but accessibility for filter replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the air return grille movable rather than fixed. The grille can be detached and repositioned from its installed position in the ceiling to a lower, more accessible location, allowing users to easily access and replace filters without needing ladders or scaffolding, while still maintaining proper air circulation when installed
2Reliability
If return air filters are installed at elevated locations to ensure proper air circulation, then air circulation effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to need for ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The movable grille design allows the air return opening to be temporarily repositioned to ground level during filter maintenance, eliminating the need for ladders or scaffolding and thereby removing the safety hazards associated with working at heights, while still providing proper air circulation when installed in the ceiling
3Shape
If return air filters are recessed high in the ceiling to maintain home aesthetics, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to need for professional help
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the grille to be easily removed and repositioned to ground level, allowing homeowners to perform filter maintenance themselves without needing to hire expensive handymen or professionals, thereby significantly reducing ongoing maintenance costs while preserving the aesthetic appearance when installed
4Reliability
If return air filters are installed at ceiling level to ensure proper filtration, then air quality maintenance is improved, but ease of filter replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable grille design allows the air return opening to be temporarily relocated to a convenient, ground-level position during filter replacement, making the task simple and accessible for all homeowners regardless of age or physical ability, while still ensuring proper air quality maintenance when installed in the ceiling
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
Enables homeowners to safely and easily remove and replace air filters without risking injury, ensuring continuous clean air circulation and reducing the burden of maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a retraction mechanism and magnetic attraction ensuring secure filtration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an air return grille assembly adapted to be installed within an air return opening disposed within a ceiling, the air return opening having a first perimeter. The air return housing includes a frame establishing a housing channel. A flange is configured to restrict an air filter from being disposed through the frame. A retraction mechanism is coupled to a portion of the lateral wall of the air return housing and configured to transition the grille from a first position to a second position. When in the first position an air filter is disposed between the grill and the flange such that air flowing through the air return opening is filtered by the air filter. In the second position, the grille is disposed away from the air return housing and configured to permit the safe removal and replacement of the air filter.