COLLAPSIBLE AIR FILTER ASSEMBLIES
A collapsible air filter assembly for a heating and ventilation air conditioner (HVAC) system includes a filter element, and a frame supporting the filter element. The frame includes at least two edges each including a respective spring element configured to be moveable between an open state and a bent state. A compressible air filter assembly for an (HVAC) system includes a filter medium having rounded pleats configured to collapse and rebound in a controlled and repeatable manner between a compressed state and an original uncompressed state. A soft-wrapped filter assembly includes a frame in a box configuration. The frame includes rigid edges and openings to permit airflow. A filter element is encased by the frame. Flexible edge covers mounted on respective edges of the frame to provide an air seal in an HVAC system.
1 . A collapsible air filter assembly for a heating and ventilation air conditioner (HVAC) system, the filter assembly comprising:
a filter element; and
a frame engaging and supporting the filter element, wherein the frame includes at least two edges, each edge including a respective spring element,
wherein each spring element is configured to be moveable between an open state and a bent state, and
wherein the frame is positioned within an HVAC return to secure the filter element within an airflow of the HVAC system.
2 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein each spring element is configured to bias a respective edge of the frame toward an expanded configuration when the spring element is in the bent state.
3 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein each spring element is configured to hold the frame in an expanded configuration when the spring element is in the open position.
4 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes a metal tape spring.
5 . The air filter assembly of claim 4 , wherein the metal tape spring includes a bi-convex tape spring assembly.
6 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes a flat plate spring.
7 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes a torsion spring.
8 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes an I-beam structure.
9 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes a resilient material.
10 . The air filter assembly of claim 9 , wherein the resilient material includes of at least one of a polymer and a rubber material.
11 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring element includes a self-locking geometry in the open state.
12 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the air filter assembly has a folded configuration in which corners thereof are not stacked.
13 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein edges of the frame are secured together at corners.
14 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein each edge of the frame includes an edge cover.
15 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the edge covers are configured to seal ends of pleats of the filter element.
16 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least two edges of the frame are adjacent.
17 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least two edges of the frame are opposite edges of the frame.
18 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the spring elements extends essentially a full length of the respective frame edge.
19 . The air filter assembly of claim 1 , wherein each edge of the frame comprises a respective frame member having two rigid portions each on a side of a spring member, wherein the spring member does not extend a full length of the frame member.
20 . A compressible air filter assembly for a heating and ventilation air conditioner (HVAC) system, the air filter assembly including a filter element comprising:
a filter medium having rounded pleats,
wherein the filter element is configured to collapse and rebound in a controlled and repeatable manner between a compressed state and an original uncompressed state, and
wherein the filter element is secured within an airflow of the HVAC system.