Air Conditioner Filter Cleaning Assembly With Low-Noise Dust Sweeping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-cleaning devices for air conditioner filtering nets are inefficient, noisy, and have complex structures, failing to thoroughly clean dust and requiring manual interference.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning device with a dust sweeping assembly featuring a basal body with 'L' shape, slide locating device, brush assembly, and a transmission mechanism using a step motor, worm gear, and rack to effectively remove dust from the filtering net with minimal noise and simple structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a self-cleaning device with suction nozzle and drive mechanism is used, then dust removal function is provided, but the structure becomes complicated and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic dust removal functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the dust removal function from a complex suction-based system and implements it through a simpler brush assembly that mechanically sweeps dust onto collection trays. The drive mechanism is reduced to basic components (drive shaft, worm gear, rack) rather than complex suction nozzle positioning systems, thereby achieving automatic cleaning with simplified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The brush assembly uses simple, replaceable brush components that can be easily renewed rather than maintaining complex suction nozzles and drive mechanisms. This approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of replacement over long-term durability of complex components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Extent of automation

If a self-cleaning device with suction nozzle is used, then dust removal function is provided, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic dust removal functionVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering net is divided into multiple sections (first filtering net and second filtering net) with corresponding brush assemblies and collection trays for each section. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple areas, improving overall cleaning efficiency while maintaining simple brush-based mechanics in each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism continuously moves the brush assemblies across the entire surface of both filtering nets, ensuring uninterrupted dust collection. The worm gear and rack system provides continuous motion rather than intermittent suction, improving cleaning completeness and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If manual cleaning of filtering net is required, then simple structure is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service automatic cleaning through a simple drive mechanism that automatically moves brush assemblies across the filtering nets. The system cleans itself without requiring user disassembly or manual intervention, while the overall structure remains simple with basic mechanical components that are easy to understand and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If existing self-cleaning device is used, then some dust removal is achieved, but noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal capabilityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction system (which generates noise from motors, fans, and moving suction nozzles) with a mechanical brush sweeping system. The brush assemblies physically sweep dust onto collection trays using simple rotational motion from worm gears, eliminating the need for noisy suction fans and high-speed motors, thereby achieving dust removal with significantly reduced noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device achieves quick and thorough dust removal with reduced noise and a reliable, durable design, enhancing user convenience by automating the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

a drive device with a drive motor and a transmission mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A brush assembly thrusts into the chambers from the outside of the basal body and is attached with the filtering net inside the basal body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2154442B1Self-cleaning device of filtering net and air conditioner having it
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 HAIER GROUP CORP
  • EP2154442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2154442B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2154442B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention disclosed a self-cleaning device of a filtering net which is disposed in the wall-hanging type air conditioner and includes: a filtering net with an upper filtering net and a front filtering net, which is disposed outside a heat exchanger and is used for absorbing the dust of the air passing through the heat exchanger; a dust sweeping assembly with a detachable brush, which is disposed outside the filtering net, and is used for sweeping the dust adhered on the filtering net; a drive device with a drive motor and a transmission mechanism, which is used for driving the dust sweeping assembly to slide on the filtering net to sweep off the dust; a dust box which is used for collecting the dust and is detachably disposed in the air conditioner to clear up the dust in the box; and a dust exchanging device which is disposed on the left or right side of the filtering net, and is used for transferring the dust swept out by the sweeping assembly into the dust box. The said self-cleaning device of filtering net of air conditioner can clean up the dust on the filtering net in a short time with good clearance effects, less noise. And the structure of the device with high reliability and durability is simple.