A filter cleaning device for an air-conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioner filter cleaning devices face challenges in efficiently cleaning filters without a fixed connection between the brush and contact member, particularly in designs where space constraints limit the arrangement of these components, leading to potential deterioration in filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter cleaning device for air-conditioners that employs a brush unit and a contact member, both rotatably supported, with separate motors for independent movement along the filter surface, controlled by a system to maintain a predetermined gap between them, allowing efficient cleaning without a fixed connection across the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brush and contact member are connected in a fixed manner across the filter, then the filter can be cleaned efficiently with proper particle containment, but the device requires sufficient vertical space above and below the filter which is not always available due to structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cleaning mechanism into independent segments: the brush unit with its own motor and the contact member with its own motor, allowing them to move independently along the filter surface without requiring fixed vertical spacing between them
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic independent movement system where the brush and contact member can adjust their positions independently along the filter surface, controlled by separate motors to maintain optimal gap while adapting to space constraints
2Volume of moving object
If the brush and contact member are not connected in a fixed manner, then the device can operate in space-constrained environments, but the gap between brush and contact member may vary causing particle scattering and deteriorating filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the positions of the brush and contact member and adjusts their movement to maintain the gap within the predetermined range, ensuring reliable particle containment while operating in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the gap parameter between brush and contact member by controlling motor speeds and positions, maintaining it within the optimal predetermined range to prevent particle scattering while adapting to available space
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used to independently move the brush and contact member, then the device can maintain a predetermined gap in space-constrained environments, but the device complexity increases with additional motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Each motor serves multiple functions: driving its respective component (brush or contact member) along the filter surface, controlling the gap maintenance, and enabling independent positioning, reducing the need for additional specialized components
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
This configuration ensures effective cleaning of the air-conditioner filter by maintaining the gap between the brush and contact member within a predetermined range, preventing particle scattering and maintaining filtration efficiency even in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The brush is configured to contact with a principal side of the filter surface and is rotatably supported about a rotation axis... The first motor is configured to rotate the brush about the rotation axis... dust, fibres, particulate matter or the like are removed from the filter by the cleaning brush
Implementation Method 2
The contact member is configured to contact with the other side of the filter surface and sandwich the filter between the brush and the contact member... the filter supporting plate functions to prevent scattering the particles from the part where the cleaning brush engages with the filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a filter cleaning device for an air-conditioner, comprising: a flat filter, a brush, a contact member, a driving unit (730) and a controller (750). The driving unit has a first motor (631) for moving the brush and a second motor (671) for moving the contact member. The controller is configured to control the driving unit such that the brush and the contact member move from one end side to the other end side of the filter with respect to a first moving direction extending along the filter surface, and also configured to control at least one of the first motor and the second motor such that a gap between the brush and the contact member is within a predetermined range in position with respect to the first moving direction.