Tool-less HEPA Filter Housing With Segmented Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HEPA air filtration systems require tools to change or clean filters, which complicates filter replacement and maintenance, potentially leading to leaks and reduced effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A tool-less air filtration device with a two-piece housing and a threaded HEPA filter design that uses a combination of interlocking surfaces and a friction connection system, allowing for easy filter removal and replacement without tools, ensuring a secure and leak-proof seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fasteners and tools are used to attach the HEPA filter to the housing, then the air-tight seal is ensured, but the filter replacement and cleaning process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair-tight sealVSAvoidfilter replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first housing section and a second housing section that can be separated from each other. The HEPA filter is attached to one housing section and can be accessed by separating the housing sections, eliminating the need for tools to remove the filter while maintaining the air-tight seal when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing sections are designed to be dynamically separable and reasizable. The first and second housing sections can be easily separated to access the HEPA filter for replacement or cleaning, then reassembled to restore the air-tight sealed environment, providing both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional fasteners are used to secure the filter, then the leak-proof environment is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak-proof environmentVSAvoidfastener system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into separable sections that enclose the HEPA filter. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate fasteners while maintaining the leak-proof environment through the housing design itself, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate component. The first and second housing sections are designed to mate together to form the sealed environment, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the housing is designed as a single piece, then the structure is simpler, but the filter cannot be easily removed or the interior cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter accessibilityVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first housing section and a second housing section that can be separated. This segmentation provides easy access to the HEPA filter and interior cleaning surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10335725B2Tool-less filtration assembly

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 AMERICAIR CORP

AI summary

A tool-less air filtration device having a two-piece housing with a filter. The tool-less air filtration device is simple, is totally tool-less for removing and replacing HEPA air filters and cleaning the interior of the air filtration device, and allows for quick, seamless filter changes in the field, while providing the convenient accessibility required to fully clean all surfaces of the unit.