Reusable Air Filter Frames with Anti-Sag Lattice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filters have permanent rigid frames that occupy a large volume during transportation, storage, and display, making them inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
Reusable frames for air filters that include a frame base and a frame cover, with upward-open-ended elongate slots to secure the pleated air filter, and anti-sag lattice structures to prevent pleat sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional air filters use permanent rigid frames, then the air filter maintains its structural integrity and shape, but it occupies a large volume during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a frame base and a frame cover that can be separated from each other. The air filter is secured to the frame base, and the frame cover is placed over the air filter to complete the assembly. This segmentation allows the components to be stored in a compact state during transportation and only assembled when needed for use.
2Volume of moving object
If the air filter is compressed for compact storage, then the transportation volume is reduced, but the pleats may sag and filtration performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame base includes upward-open-ended elongate slots that receive securing tabs of the air filter, and the frame cover includes downward-protruding anti-sag lattice structures. These features are designed in advance to prevent pleat sagging when the air filter is compressed for storage, thereby maintaining filtration performance while enabling compact storage.
3Volume of moving object
If reusable frames are used instead of permanent rigid frames, then space efficiency during storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable frame is segmented into a frame base and a frame cover that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The frame base includes elongate slots for securing the air filter, while the frame cover includes anti-sag lattice structures. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity compared to a permanent rigid frame while maintaining the necessary functionality for secure mounting and pleat support.
Data Source
AI summary
Reusable frames for air filters, framed air filters, kits for making framed air filters, and methods of making and using framed air filters. The frame may include a frame base and a frame cover that are attached to each other to form the frame. The frame may include first and second opposing primary frame portions that respectively include first and second upward-open-ended elongate slots that are configured to receive first and second securing tabs of an expandable pleated air filter. The frame may include a set of upward struts that collectively form an upward anti-sag lattice with a multiplicity of anti-sag protrusions that protrude in a downward direction from a downward face of the upward anti-sag lattice.