Filter frame assembly for filter media, filtration system, and method of use thereof

A filter frame assembly for use with filter media comprising a filter web, the filter frame assembly comprising:

• a main frame comprising a first end, a second end opposing the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end;
• a spindle unit disposed at the first end of the main frame, the spindle unit comprising:
• a spindle frame coupled to the main frame and extending from the first end of the main frame;
• a dispensing spindle non-rotatably coupled to the spindle frame;
• and
• a receiving spindle spaced apart from the dispensing spindle and rotatably coupled to the spindle frame;
• and
• a plurality of louvers movably coupled to the main frame and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis, wherein each louver from the plurality of louvers is movable relative to the main frame between an expanded position and a contracted position, wherein, in the expanded position, each louver extends outwardly from the main frame and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by a first angle, wherein, in the contracted position, each louver is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by a second angle that is less than the first angle, and wherein each louver is biased towards the expanded position,
• wherein the main frame is at least partially insertable through a filter slot of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from the second end, such that the main frame is at least partially received within the HVAC system and the spindle unit is disposed external to the HVAC system,
• wherein each of the dispensing spindle and the receiving spindle is configured to at least partially receive the filter web of the filter media thereon in a wound configuration, such that the filter web extends from the dispensing spindle towards the second end of the main frame and extends back to the receiving spindle, while being at least partially received in the main frame, and
• wherein the plurality of louvers are configured to at least partially receive the filter web thereon in a zig-zag configuration, wherein, during insertion of the plurality of louvers through the filter slot, the plurality of louvers are configured to sequentially move from the respective expanded positions to the respective contracted positions due to engagement with a wall of the filter slot, and wherein, after insertion of the plurality of louvers through the filter slot, each louver is configured to move back to the expanded position.