Tool-less auto-aligning filter retention system

摘要

A filter retention system for releasably retaining a filter cartridge in an operable position within air supply and air exhaust systems is comprised of a filter cartridge, filter retainers, mounting frame with integral sealing knife edge and filter alignment brackets. The filter retainers allow for installation and removal of the filter cartridge without the use of tools. The retention system automatically aligns filter cartridges such that an airtight seal is created between the sealant containing groove in the filter cartridge and the sealing knife edge of the retention system.

主权项

1. A filter retention system comprising:
a filter mounting frame configured to be secured to a ventilation system, the filter mounting frame comprising a knife edge periphery configured to be inserted into a sealing compound of a filter cartridge; a plurality of filter retention clips coupled to the filter mounting frame above the knife edge periphery, each of the filter retention clips being configured to be displaced from a rest position when the filter cartridge is placed against the plurality of filter retention clips and a force is applied to the filter cartridge until the filter cartridge is in a predetermined position, each of the filter retention clips being configured to return to the rest position and to secure the filter cartridge in the predetermined position after the filter cartridge is in the predetermined position; and a plurality of filter alignment brackets coupled to the filter mounting frame above the knife edge periphery and extending below the knife edge periphery, each of the filter alignment brackets being configured to guide the filter cartridge into the predetermined position; wherein each of the filter retention clips comprises a single piece of resilient material forming five segments in series, a base segment connected to the mounting frame and is configured to removably clip onto the filter cartridge when it is placed into the frame, a second segment subtending a right included angle with the base segment and is configured to removably clip onto the filter cartridge after the knife edge periphery of the filter mounting frame is inserted into the sealing compound of a filter cartridge a predetermined distance, a third segment subtending an obtuse included angle with the second segment and is configured to bend so as to allow the filter cartridge to be inserted into the filter mounting frame, a fourth segment subtending an acute included angle with the third segment and is configured to bend so as to allow the filter cartridge to be inserted into the filter mounting frame and to return to position to lock the filter cartridge into position after it is inserted into the filter mounting frame, and a fifth segment subtending and included right angle with the fourth segment and is configured to bend so as to allow the filter cartridge to be inserted into the filter mounting frame and to return to position to lock the filter cartridge into position after it is inserted into the filter mounting frame and the knife edge periphery of the filter mounting frame is inserted into the sealing compound of a filter cartridge a predetermined distance.