3D Printer Air Filter With Modular HEPA and Carbon Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printers for home use lack effective air filtration systems to remove harmful gases and substances, and existing filters are not suitable for domestic use due to size, noise, and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, rod-shaped air filter with a HEPA and activated carbon filter elements, a reversible design, and a high-performance fan, which can be easily installed and positioned within the 3D printer housing without interfering with its operation, and can function as both a recirculation and exhaust filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air filters are installed in 3D printer housings, then air filtration is improved, but the device size and noise level increase making them unsuitable for domestic use
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is divided into separate modular components: a cylindrical housing containing the fan and HEPA filter, and a separate tube containing the activated carbon filter. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy installation in limited spaces within 3D printer housings without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reversible connection mechanism (magnetic or snap-fit) as an intermediary between the cylindrical housing and the tube, allowing the components to be easily assembled and disassembled. This intermediary connection method reduces installation complexity while maintaining effective air filtration through both HEPA and activated carbon filters.
2Reliability
If permanent installation filter systems are used on larger 3D printers, then filtration performance is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter system employs reversible connections that allow dynamic assembly and disassembly. The magnetic or snap-fit connection mechanisms enable users to easily install and remove the filter components without permanent fixation, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining effective filtration performance through HEPA and activated carbon filters.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the filter system into separate cylindrical housing and tube components with reversible connections, the patent enables simple modular installation that can be easily manufactured and deployed in various 3D printer configurations without requiring complex permanent installation procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If cube-shaped air filters are placed in corner areas, then space utilization is improved, but installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cylindrical housing design instead of a cube-shaped configuration. This curved, circular cross-section allows the air filter to fit more efficiently into corner areas and irregular spaces within 3D printer housings, maximizing space utilization while maintaining flexibility for various installation positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible connection mechanisms enable the cylindrical air filter to be dynamically positioned and repositioned within the 3D printer housing, providing installation flexibility that adapts to different space configurations while efficiently utilizing available volume through its compact cylindrical form factor.
4Ease of repair
If filter elements are made replaceable, then maintenance ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into distinct replaceable components: the HEPA filter element in the cylindrical housing and the activated carbon filter element in the tube. Each filter element can be independently removed and replaced by simply detaching its housing, simplifying maintenance while the modular segmented structure manages the complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible magnetic or snap-fit connections enable dynamic access to filter elements for replacement. Users can easily detach the cylindrical housing or tube to replace filter elements without complex disassembly, and the reversible connection mechanism manages structural complexity by providing simple, standardized attachment and detachment procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The air filter effectively removes harmful gases and substances while maintaining low noise levels and ease of use, ensuring continuous air filtration and compatibility with various 3D printer housings.
Implementation Method 1
The air filter comprises a fan 9, a replaceable HEPA filter element 7 and a replaceable activated carbon filter element 8
Implementation Method 2
a replaceable HEPA filter element 7, wherein the tube (2) is reversibly connected to a cylinder (3) with ventilation openings (12) for receiving the HEPA filter element (7)
Implementation Method 3
a replaceable activated carbon filter element 8, wherein the tube (2) has a first closure cap (4) with one opening (10) and a second closure cap (5) with a further opening (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air filter (1) for arrangement in and/or on a 3D printer housing, comprising a fan (9), a replaceable HEPA filter element (7), and a replaceable activated carbon filter element (8), wherein a tube (2) for receiving the activated carbon filter element (8), and a cylinder (3) with ventilation openings (12) for receiving the HEPA filter element (7), wherein the tube (2) has, on the one hand, a first closure cap (4) with an opening (10) and, on the other hand, a second closure cap (5) with a further opening (11), wherein the fan (9) is arranged on an outer side (13) of the first closure cap (4), wherein the tube (2) is reversibly connected to the cylinder (3) via a receptacle (6) on the outer side (13) of the first closure cap (4), wherein the fan (9) is arranged within the cylinder (3), and wherein a clamp holder (14) is provided,which reversibly connects the air filter (1) to the 3D printer housing.