Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face challenges in minimizing filter contamination and damage during cleaning, and in optimizing spatial utilization due to the design of movable cleaning kits and filter cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a prefilter supported by a roller with a rotation mechanism, an electrostatic dust filter, and a brush unit, allowing the prefilter to move within the filter case without being withdrawn, minimizing contact with other components and enhancing spatial efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a movable cleaning kit with a brush is used to clean the filter, then the filter can be cleaned, but dust may be scattered around the filter and the periphery of the filter may not be maintained in the clean state
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from a separate movable cleaning kit and integrates it directly into the filter structure. The brush is now a fixed component attached to the filter frame, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms that could scatter dust. This integration ensures that cleaning occurs locally at the filter surface without dispersing dust particles into the surrounding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dust collection chamber as an intermediary structure between the brush and the external environment. This chamber captures dust particles during the cleaning process, preventing them from scattering around the filter. The chamber acts as a containment zone that mediates between the mechanical cleaning action and the surrounding clean area.
2Ease of operation
If a movable cleaning kit body is used for brush movement, then the brush can move along the filter, but a separate space is required between the air suction hole and the filter, reducing spatial utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the brush mechanism with the filter assembly itself. Instead of having a separate movable cleaning kit body that requires additional space, the brush is integrated as a fixed component on the filter frame. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cleaning kit housing and associated movement mechanisms, thereby maximizing spatial utilization within the air conditioner unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the brush movable through a separate mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by making the filter stationary and the brush fixed, while allowing the entire filter assembly to be removable for cleaning. This inversion eliminates the need for complex movement mechanisms and optimizes space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filter is reciprocally disposed within the main body cabinet by a slider, then the filter can be cleaned, but the filter may be partially withdrawn out of the air conditioner causing damage or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filter assembly into a modular unit that includes the filter, frame, and integrated brush. This segmented design allows the entire assembly to be easily removed and cleaned as a single unit without partial withdrawal that could cause damage. The modular structure protects the filter during cleaning operations while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated brush on the filter frame enables the filter to clean itself without requiring external cleaning mechanisms or partial withdrawal. The self-service cleaning capability allows the filter to be maintained in place while being cleaned, preventing damage or contamination that could occur during partial withdrawal operations.
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 design minimizes filter and component damage, improves spatial utilization within the air conditioner, and allows for easy maintenance and cleaning of the filter assembly by allowing it to be withdrawn and cleaned as a single unit.
Implementation Method 1
a roller configured to support one side of the prefilter in a longitudinal direction, the roller being configured to allow the prefilter to move in a left-right direction
Implementation Method 2
a brush unit disposed to contact the prefilter when the roller rotates, the brush unit being spaced apart from the roller rotation mechanism
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic dust filter disposed between the prefilter and the filter case and spaced apart from the roller
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a prefilter (340) made of a flexible material, the prefilter (340) being disposed to face an air suction hole (312) through which air is suctioned, a roller (372) configured to support one side of the prefilter (340) in a longitudinal direction, the roller (372) being configured to allow the prefilter (340) to move in a left-right direction, a roller rotation mechanism configured to allow the roller (372) to rotate, and a brush unit (380) disposed to contact the prefilter (340) when the roller (372) rotates, the brush unit (380) being spaced apart from the roller rotation mechanism.