Invented by NGUYEN; Steven Huu

Changing an air filter should not be risky or hard. This new filter-grille device aims to make air filter replacement in homes and buildings much easier, safer, and quicker. Let’s explore where this invention fits in, why it matters, and how it works.

Background and Market Context

Most homes and buildings today have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. These systems keep rooms comfortable all year long. But for them to work well, they need clean air. That is why almost every HVAC system has air filters. These filters catch dust, pollen, and other small things floating in the air. When the filter is clean, it helps keep the air fresh and protects the HVAC equipment.

But there is a problem. Most air filters sit behind metal grilles that are screwed into the wall or ceiling. These grilles are often big and heavy. To change a filter, you have to unscrew the grille, sometimes while standing on a ladder. This can be hard for many people. Older adults, people with limited movement, or anyone without handy tools find this job risky. Dropping a metal grille can cause injuries or damage the floor. Because of these challenges, many people put off changing their filters, even when they know it needs to be done. This lets dust build up, which makes air quality worse and can even harm the HVAC system, leading to expensive repairs.

Manufacturers have tried to make things better by creating lighter grilles or quick-release latches. But the main way to change a filter still involves removing a big, often dirty, piece of metal. Some newer systems have filters that slide out of a slot, but these are not common in older homes or buildings. This leaves a big need for an easier, safer, and faster way to change air filters, especially in existing buildings.

This is where the new filter-grille device comes in. It is designed to be much lighter than metal grilles and is easy to install and remove. It can be handled by almost anyone, without special tools or much strength. The invention even includes special features to guide the filter into place and keep it secure, so changing the filter becomes a simple, safe task. For property owners, this means better air quality, lower energy bills, and less risk of injury or damage.

Scientific Rationale and Prior Art

Before this invention, air filters and grilles followed a pretty standard design. Most HVAC systems use a metal grille, usually made of steel or aluminum. These grilles are strong and last a long time, but they are also heavy. They are attached to the ceiling or wall with screws or bolts. The air filter sits behind the grille, held in place by the frame. To change the filter, you have to unscrew and lower the whole grille, swap the filter, and then put the grille back. This process is awkward—especially for ceiling vents—because you are working over your head, often on a ladder.

The heavy-duty construction of these grilles made sense when durability was the main concern. But now, indoor air quality is just as important, and filters need to be changed more often. A grille that is hard to remove becomes a problem instead of a benefit.

Some companies tried to solve the problem by making the grilles lighter or adding quick-release clips. Others made filter frames with hinges or latches. But these solutions still require reaching up, using strength, and sometimes tools. Many still use metal, which is heavy and expensive. Some newer systems use plastic, but the design is often not suitable for older homes or retrofits.

Another approach was to make the filter itself easier to access, such as by having a side slot or a pull-tab. However, this does not work with most existing frames and ducts. Plus, it still does not solve the problem of removing the grille itself.

The science behind filter design focuses on airflow and filtration. The filter must catch tiny particles but let enough air through to keep the HVAC system running smoothly. Too little airflow can cause the system to work harder, use more energy, and break down sooner. Traditionally, grilles are designed with many holes or slots. The shape, size, and pattern of these holes affect both how much air moves through and how easy the grille is to make and clean.

However, no previous product has combined a lightweight, disposable grille with a built-in filter, easy installation, and secure attachment that avoids the challenges of heavy metal grilles. This new invention brings together ideas from filter science, magnetics, and ergonomic design to create a solution that works in both old and new buildings, for a wide range of people.

Invention Description and Key Innovations

This filter-grille device is designed to make the whole process of changing an air filter simple, quick, and safe. Here’s how it works and what sets it apart.

First, the device uses a lightweight housing made from a non-magnetic material, such as cardboard, poster board, or plastic. This means the grille is much lighter than the usual metal grilles—sometimes up to ten times lighter. The filter sits right inside this housing, so the whole thing acts as both the grille and the filter holder. When the filter is dirty, you simply remove the whole unit and replace it with a new one.

The grille part of the device has lots of small holes, carefully arranged to let air flow freely while hiding the filter from view. The size and number of holes are balanced so that enough air can pass through, but the grille remains strong and does not rip or bend easily. Usually, about 40% of the grille area is open, which is just right for airflow and strength. The holes are evenly spread out so air moves smoothly and the filter wears out evenly. Most of the holes are small—less than two square inches—so the grille looks neat and the filter is not visible.

To install the device, you use a special frame that attaches to the ceiling or wall where the vent is. This frame also has slanted sides and built-in magnets. The matching slanted sides on the filter-grille device help guide it into the frame, making it almost impossible to put in the wrong way. When the device is close to the frame, the magnets snap it into place securely. This holds the filter-grille device tight, even for months at a time. When it’s time to change the filter, you can use a tool with a hook or magnetic tip to pull it down, all while standing safely on the floor.

Because the materials are inexpensive and light, you can throw away the whole filter-grille device and replace it with a new one each time. This means you never have to clean a dirty grille or deal with screws and heavy metal parts. For property owners, this saves time and money on maintenance and reduces the risk of injury. For renters or those who cannot use ladders, it means they can keep their air clean without help.

The invention also includes optional features, like a filter-change indicator. This can be a small light or alarm that reminds you when it’s time to swap the filter. There are also tools to help lift and guide the filter-grille device into place, and even motorized systems that can lower the filter down for you at the push of a button.

What really makes this invention stand out is how it combines several smart ideas:
– Lightweight, easy-to-handle materials that cut out the need for heavy metal grilles.
– A built-in filter, so you always get a clean, fresh grille and filter at once.
– Evenly spaced holes for the best airflow and strength.
– Magnetic and slanted guides that make installation foolproof and secure.
– Tools and optional smart features that make changing filters safe and simple for everyone.

This is more than just a new grille or a new filter. It’s a whole new way to keep indoor air clean without hassle or risk. It’s made for real people, in real homes and buildings, who want to breathe easier and worry less.

Conclusion

The new filter-grille device takes a common, tricky task—changing an air filter—and makes it safe, easy, and quick for everyone. By using light, affordable materials and clever features like magnetic frames and slanted guides, it solves problems that have frustrated homeowners and renters for years. This is not just a small change; it is a complete rethinking of how we care for the air in our homes and buildings. With this system, there are fewer excuses to delay filter changes, leading to healthier air, better HVAC performance, and safer homes. If you want to make air filter maintenance a breeze, this invention is a smart solution to consider.

Click here https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/ and search 20250216117.